Around Tinker: Three 72nd ABW members honored with Wildcatter Awards Published Oct. 4, 2012 72nd Air Base Wing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Three members of the 72nd Medical Group were recently honored with Wildcatter Awards by 72nd Air Base Wing Commander Col. Steven Bleymaier. Andrea Talley has been a medical instrument technician in the 72nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron since September 2006. During this time, her efforts have helped transition the Physical Examination and Audiology sections into top-notch clinics. She is a team player and displays strong leadership to get people to work efficiently. Her effective communication and interpersonal skills are unmeasureable. These skills are vital in her position that requires working with numerous high-level base supervisors and a multitude of civilian workers. Every month, she processes approximately 1,000 audio exams, 400 physical exams and 500 acute appointments for 800 Similar Exposure Groups. In addition, Ms. Talley's experience aided in the development of the first "Pre-exam Team" that allowed Occupational Medicine Flight staff to meet with 76th Maintenance Wing primary contact prior to their members receiving annual exams. This has alleviated repeat exams by 95 percent and decreased no-show rate from 14 percent to 8 percent and ensured the physical examination monthly compliance rate remained above the Air Force standard of 90 percent for two consecutive years. Capt. Erin E. Rivas, Medical Logistics Flight commander in the 72nd Medical Support Squadron, has been an exceptional leader during the 72nd MDG's move to the new clinic. She was the Medical Group's MILCON core planning team leader responsible for the initial outfitting of the $63 million, 171,000 square-foot medical facility in support of 400 medical personnel. She identified and fixed more than 200 room-by-room errors, ensuring all equipment and supplies were properly tagged and moved to the new facility. Additionally, she provided clinic move briefings to 10 families and the Tinker Enlisted Spouse's Network where she distributed more than 100 informational tri-folds regarding the medical treatment facility's move. Airman 1st Class Brian K. Thornberry, a dental assistant apprentice in the 72nd Dental Squadron, has been an integral part of the 72nd MDG and Dental Squadron since his arrival here from technical training. During the past four months, his job knowledge skills were critical to the success of the Dental Squadron delivering $1.6 million of care. Airman Thornberry personally received 319 patients and assisted with 744 clinical procedures. His efforts impacted Tinker's readiness status by ensuring that 98 percent of all active duty members were dentally worldwide qualified. Additionally, he provided premier customer service and was lauded by name in eight Department of Defense patient surveys. Thanks to Airman Thornberry's contagious professionalism, the squadron received a patient satisfaction rating of 97 percent, the highest percentage achieved in years. Airman Thornberry is an extremely versatile technician and is often utilized in other sections when his assigned dentist is on leave or TDY. He has filled in on short noticed in areas Records and Reception, Dental Radiology and the Dental Instrument Processing Center. While augmenting the front desk one day, he recognized the need to package and mail out dental charts of patients who were no longer assigned to Tinker. Airman Thornberry processed and shipped 16 dental charts and ensured their arrival to the rightful base. He has taken the initiative to get the job done and this does not go unnoticed by peers. Airman Thornberry was an integral member of the new Medical Clinic ribbon cutting committee and completed all tasks given to him to make the event a success.