AETC announces 2007 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award Published June 14, 2007 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Air Education and Training Command is pleased to announce Lt. Col. Joseph Atkins, 314th Mission Support Squadron, Little Rock AFB Ark., as the AETC winner for the 2007 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award. Colonel Atkins made great strides in revitalizing the base's Innovative Development through the Employment Awareness Program, achieving 3.4 million dollars in tangible savings and paying out 56,000 dollars in award money to participants. His stellar efforts elevated the program to the number one ranking in AETC. Furthermore, Colonel Atkins displayed exceptional leadership, knowledge, and skill as he led an office of more than 250 personnel from three different services engaged in special operations missions while deployed to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The command congratulates Colonel Atkins for his significant accomplishments.