AETC announces 2008 Verne Orr Award winner Published March 6, 2008 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Air Education and Training Command officials recently announced the AETC winner for the 2008 Verne Orr Award: The command selected the 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The Verne Orr Award annually recognizes an Air Force unit (active duty, reserve or guard) which makes the most effective use of its human resources. The accomplishments of the unit should be mission-oriented and focus on how the unit excelled in its use of people to achieve its full potential and accomplish the mission. Some of the 14th Flying Training Wing's many accomplishments that led to their selection for this award are: Columbus AFB was the AETC's 2007 Commander in Chief Installation Excellence Award winner. For winning this award, the base received $500,000 for quality of life programs and was recognized as one of the top three bases Air Force wide. While completing a major airfield renovation, transitioning to the T-6 aircraft and integrating the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals mission, the wing flew more sorties than any other Air Force installation. Additionally, Columbus AFB was the only base to garner 10 "Air Force Best Practices," nearly a third of Air Education and Training Command's 36 Best Practices approved. The command congratulates the 14th FTW for their significant accomplishments and wish them the best of luck at the Air Force level competition.