AF recognizes 30 years of public service with new support center

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (ACCNS) --  Col. Kenn Todorov, 23rd Wing commander, took one of the final steps in the completion of Moody Air Force Base's new $10 million consolidated customer service facility by dedicating the Parker Greene Base Support Center June 22.

The act was in recognition of Mr. Greene's 30 years of service to Moody and the base's Airmen, said Colonel Todorov.

"We aren't focusing today on this facility or its capabilities," said Colonel Todorov. "Today, we are here to honor a man for his steadfast and unwavering support of our nation, our Air Force and our Airmen. Mr. Parker Greene has been a vital link between the military and the South Georgia community for more than 30 years."

Also at the ceremony was Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of ctaff. He was on hand to present Mr. Greene with the Chief of Staff's Award for Exceptional Public Service. Mr. Greene is the first person to receive this honor.

"There are thousands and thousands of Airmen in the Air Force right now who have been touched by the Greene family and their dedication to the continued existence of this base," said the Air Force commander. "He's been one of those rare individuals who achieved the perfect marriage of base and community affairs to watch over spouses and our Airmen for so many years."

In a career starting in the early 1970's, Mr. Greene has served on numerous Air Force commanders support groups, been an advisor to state and national leaders, and was instrumental in leading the local community in its support of Moody through four base realignment and closure commission periods.

To show gratitude for that legacy of support is why Moody and Air Force leadership sought a way to recognize Mr. Greene, said Colonel Todorov.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to recognize someone for the work they have done," the colonel said. "The base is able to repay Mr. Greene and his wife for 30 years of service in a way that will be truly timeless."

Parker Greene and his wife, Dr. Lucy Greene, expressed deep gratitude and admiration for the continued service of those at Moody, and say they just feel honored to be serving them.

"Lucy and I are a team," said Mr. Greene. "We just have a love for the Airmen of this base. We enjoy our time with them and try and stay close to them, we understand them, and hurt for them at times. South Georgia is better with these young people here."

Many future Airmen will continue to be served by the building named after Mr. Greene. The 46,064 square-foot, energy-efficient building will provide working areas for approximately 240 Airmen, consolidating the functions of 11 separate customer support elements into a single state-of-the-art facility. The Parker Greene Base Support Center is scheduled to begin operations in the fall.