TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
Four were recently honored with Wildcatter Awards from
72nd ABW Commander Col. Stephanie Wilson.
Michael J. Taber, a Federal Labor & Employment
Law Attorney-Advisor/Agency Representative since Nov. 2009, has taken on a
substantial additional caseload while representing the United States Air Force
before both the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Mr. Taber demonstrated superlative written
skills as lead counsel before the EEOC when the agency was faced with
allegations of sexual harassment and reprisal. He filed a forceful and convincing
motion for summary judgment which was quickly granted by the administrative
judge. This kind of advocacy saved the installation upwards of $300,000 in
potential monetary penalties and countless hours of production time. In
addition, Mr. Taber’s exceptional brief writing skills ensured yet another
victory in an EEOC appeal of a decision finding of “no discrimination” for
alleged race/color, sex and age discrimination.
In adversarial hearings before the MSPB, Mr. Taber trained
a young judge advocate on the intricacies of defending the agency before the
MSPB while also leading a staunch defense of the agency in two separate removal
actions. His skills resulted in the agency prevailing in all cases. Furthermore, his deft negotiating skills
brought about the settlement of a third EEOC case and two MSPB cases with no
net loss to the agency. In fact, through these mediations, Mr. Taber saved the
government over $58,000 in potential back pay alone.
Although Mr. Taber is an all-star litigator, his keen eye
for detail and acumen for the law was utilized in providing legal input into
nearly 50 adverse employment actions totaling 108 days of suspension for
civilian employees who had engaged in misconduct, to include 21
removals/terminations of employees who had failed to uphold the minimum
standards of a federal employee. His versatility, dedication and expertise has
saved Tinker AFB hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential litigation costs
and has ensured good order and discipline among the civilian workforce,
allowing Tinker AFB to continue to provide sustainment and logistics readiness
to deliver combat power for America.
Airman 1st Class Kimberly A. Ostrander has been
assigned to the legal office since March 2015, and currently serves as a
General Law paralegal and a member of the Tinker AFB honor guard. As the most
junior enlisted member of the legal office, Airman Ostrander has been
instrumental in keeping the claims program running smoothly. She investigated
and recommended settlement in eight claims against the government, returning
over $14,500 to Airmen, civilians, and retirees within the Tinker community. In
addition to processing claims filed against the government, Airman Ostrander
has aggressively protected the government’s interest by asserting claims
against those who have damaged government property and has returned over $3,000
to the Air Force. Airman Ostrander is a well-rounded Airman who has achieved
her five skill level and is a true team player. She has worked in different
sections throughout the office and has completed 64 military justice actions,
drafted 45 powers of attorney and notarized 113 documents. As a member of the Tinker honor guard, she
has put her professionalism on display at 33 funerals, ensuring our fallen
heroes were buried with dignity and respect. Just recently, Airman Ostrander
represented the Air Force as a member of the American Flag detail at game one
of the NCAA Women’s College World Series.
Capt. Jungmoo Lee has performed her duties as chief
of preventive law and legal assistance since April. As the newest attorney with
oversight of two critical programs, Captain Lee immediately immersed herself by
reaching out to the Force Support Squadron, developing relationships that
continue to aid all of the installation’s private organizations as well as our
numerous legal assistance clients. She took the role developing the upcoming
retiree appreciation program, serving as a member of the committee and
providing advice to the many participants. Captain Lee was asked to speak to
the 448th Supply Chain Management Wing’s Directors Call providing associated
units a comprehensive explanation on private organization fundraising and the
pitfalls of dealing with prohibited sources. She was lauded for her
professionalism and represented the legal office and wing with distinction.
Airman 1st Class Brittney Sparks has performed her
duties as a force management technician since Sept. 2014. During this time with
the 72nd Force Support Squadron military personnel section, she has effectively
dispersed more than 4,000 Enlisted and Officer Evaluations to both 72nd ABW and
552nd AACS organizations, contributing to members being recommended for
decorations and promotion board consideration in a timely manner. As a Tinker
Ceremonial Guardsman, Airman Sparks has performed over 30 details to include
presenting the colors to grieving spouses of late veterans. She is consistently
complimented for her professionalism and received a Letter of Appreciation from
the Executive Officer of OC-ALC and was lauded for her exceptional
professionalism and work ethic. Airman Sparks often trains and assists new
Airmen on Force Management systems, further contributing to the success of the
overall Air Force mission. On a daily basis, she willingly assists customers to
help resolve potential issues before they arise. With all of her assigned
duties and commitments, she also finds time to further her education, pursuing
her second bachelor’s degree in nursing.