Three earn commander's awards Published Aug. 21, 2008 By 72nd Air Base Wing Tinker Air Force Base TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Three members of the 72nd Air Base Wing, Rick Buschelman, John Krpovage, and LouAnna Munkres, earned Wildcatter Awards for excellence. Rick Buschelman Program Analyst 72nd Air Base Wing Inspector General Mr. Buschelman showed outstanding efforts as a Unit Self Inspection Monito. He revamped the IG self inspection monitor program, cleaned up 120 complaint cases that were in total disarray. A once dysfunctional program is now the streamlined model used by IG offices across the command. He implemented a paperless case file and accountability system, years worth of barely manageable paper files and large storage space reduced to easily accessible computerized file systems and clutter free work-space. He also hosted and assisted the Air Force Audit Agency Inspector General with a local high-profile case. The team leader lauded Mr. Buschelman for his professionalism and keen investigative skills. He is one of only two forensically trained investigators in AFMC and used his skills to conduct four fraud, waste, and abuse cases. John Krupovage Natural Resources Biologist 72nd Civil Engineer Group Mr. Krupovage is instrumental in management of Tinker's natural resources and urban forestry program. He established a long-term vision for tree rehabilitation and replacement following significant ice storm damage. He coordinated emergency debris disposal requirements with state regulators agencies. Allowed establishment of on-base staging areas for downed limbs and burning of tree limbs, which avoided costly disposal at landfills. He was a guest speaker at state Tree City USA meeting and presented storm damage rapid assessment methodology utilized at Tinker. He assisted with post-removal/pruning inspections to ensure quality of work conducive to urban forest recovery and health. Mr. Krupovage also manages a base tree farm which will provide hundreds of replacement trees as early as fall 2008...provides cost effective and timely replenishment of base trees. LouAnna Munkres Community Planner 72nd Civil Engineer Group Ms. Munkres leadership influences policy beyond the base boundaries. She fostered Tinker partnership with local communities. She provided development oversight Air Installation Compatible Use Zone brochure. She partnered with the community as a guiding influence on Joint Land Use Study development. She planned Hruskocy Gate and briefed program concept with Oklahoma County representatives and ignited interests, resulting in a new gate and road that increased base safety & security. She is a major contributor on Oklahoma City's Southeast Sector Plan and promotes compatible development as the base representative on the "I-40 & Air Depot Traffic Study;" with a goal to improve Tinker traffic flow Ms. Munkres' efforts limit encroachment on the base. AFMC recognized TAFB Airfield waiver package as model approach Her planning actions brought the base plan to the populace. She keeps TAFB leaders informed and briefs the facility board quarterly on all planning activities