AFB Contractor of the Quarter

It isn't easy to impress a former chief master sergeant of the Air Force. But that's what John Hagerman did at Charleston AFB, where he was named Contractor of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2007, only the second outside contractor to receive that Air Force honor at Charleston.

"It's our first true recognition from the Air Force at Charleston since we started there in 1998," says Ken Hart, manager-Customer Relations for Government Programs, United Services.

Hagerman is the operating manager for engine maintenance at United Services' shop at Charleston. He and his team of 26 United Services personnel maintain the Pratt & Whitney F117 engines, which power the Air Force's Boeing C17 cargo carriers.

Bill Williams--that former chief master sergeant, who's spent the last 22 years of his career with Pratt--is the Pratt & Whitney manager and coordinator of the F117 program at Charleston. He recommended Hagerman for the award to Boeing; the two contractors submitted Hagerman's name to the 437th Maintenance Group.

"I was shocked," admits Hagerman. "I didn't know the award existed! Day in and day out, Bill and I just come in and it's busy business. After 20 years, it kind of sets you back, and you say, wow, somebody noticed."

"I was very grateful."

Hagerman has been with United since 1984, mostly in line maintenance, and came to the Charleston engine shop in 2003. Williams came to the base in 1998.

"You have an opportunity to meet a lot of people when you're in this business as long as I've been," Williams says. "Most really are good, but occasionally you run into those who are above and beyond the norm."

Williams notes that Hagerman's group "makes great contributions to the C17 program worldwide." Hagerman's work includes quality control inspections and testing qualifications for the F117; Williams says Hagerman is "the only manager in this program with that breadth of responsibility."

Williams also notes the liaison skills necessary at a single site, the Module Replacement Center, where Pratt handles parts, Boeing is the test-cell custodian with United the test cell operator and the Air Force does environmental work.

Hart concurs, and tips his hat to Hagerman's entire team.

"They make the world here work," Hart says.