Contracting Officer displays 'Service Before Self'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cory D. Payne
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- --  Name and Rank: Alan D. Rose

Unit: 48th Contracting Squadron

Duty Title: Contracting officer

Time in Service: 37 years and 6 months

Time at Lakenheath: 19 years

Hometown: Ipswich, Suffolk

Hobbies: Golfing, walking, being with my family and explaining the rules of cricket

Core Value Portrayed: "Service Before Self"

How does the individual portray that core value?
Mr. Rose's motivation and commitment to duty is evident in all he does. He stays at work until the job is done, even if that means working after normal duty hours. He has a great attitude and never complains, regardless of the task at hand. He is a pleasure to work with and provides a positive work environment for the people around him. You never hear him say "hold on" or "I will be right with you." Mr. Rose is a great trainer and mentor to both seasoned contracting specialists and those just beginning their careers. He is dedicated to his job, his people, and is a true professional.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
 I have had the opportunity to work with four different business cultures. I started my employment at RAF Bentwaters at the age of 16, which was just cycling distance from my home. Once it closed, I moved to RAF Woodbridge, then RAF Feltwell where the contracting office was, before they moved it here to RAF Lakenheath. So I have worked with the military my entire career. Working with the Air Force for so many years has given me a great sense of pride. I truly consider my contracting co-workers my family away from home.

What accomplishment during your Air Force career are you most proud of?
 Award of Excellence from USAFE MEI Team in January, 1986. I have the privilege of being a member of the 2010 USAFE Outstanding Large Contracting Unit. In April 2001 received a two million dollar Contracting Officer warrant. I am also proud of my quarterly awards and recognitions I have received, latest being Civilian Supervisor of the Quarter April to June 2008.

What are your personal and/or professional goals?
To treat my co-workers to the standard I would want to be treated according to their rank or position to perform my daily tasks to the highest level obtainable until I retire.

What is your favorite part of your job?
Closing out a contract, which usually means the customer has received their services or commodities and the contractor has been paid in full. It is nice to see how the end product actually affects the Air Force mission.