HomeNewsArticle Display

Budget analyst sees benefits of VPP through first-hand experience

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Voluntary Protection Program does work. Just ask Tiffany Yohannan of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Financial Analysis Division.

Following a routine VPP walk-through June 7, two personnel from the Combined Wing Staff Group asked Ms. Yohannan, a budget analyst, about the program and its principles. She told them the story of an issue she found and how VPP resolved it ... quickly.

Roughly three weeks ago, Ms. Yohannan spotted a safety hazard and told her safety manager. Within five days, the problem was solved.

"I'm impressed base officials took employee safety seriously," said Ms. Yohannan. "I expected it would take a month before they got to the work order."

Ms. Yohannan said that particular morning she had arrived on base from the Hruskocy Gate, No. 7, and turned south onto East Drive. It was approximately 6:45 a.m. and still dark outside. About two-tenths of a mile from the Hruskocy Gate-East Drive intersection is a pedestrian crosswalk connecting an overflow parking lot to Bldg. 3001's main lot.

Ms. Yohannan said she didn't notice a pedestrian in the crosswalk until her vehicle was practically on the painted lane. The sign's flashing lights were hidden by overhanging branches from a tree that stood roughly 15 feet in front of the sign on the right side of the street.

Knowing that could be an issue for someone else or lead to a serious injury, Ms. Yohannan said she informed the OC-ALC Financial Management Directorate safety manager, Phil Horne. She knew just who to go to as he had briefed her unit on VPP several times in the past.

Mr. Horne filled out an online-VPP form and Ms. Yohannan completed a work order, suggesting branches be trimmed.

"Four or five days later, I drove up to the area and the tree was trimmed," she said. "Plus, I could see the light and sign from far away."

Leslie Carlson, OC-ALC/FMA chief, said she's also impressed.

"There are mechanisms to report issues and people actually respond," she said.

Although the system works, Ms. Yohannan said it's not an excuse to become complacent.

"Continue to watch your surroundings and be aware of hazards," she said.