ASC honored with VPP Star Award Published Jan. 22, 2010 By Bill Hancock 88ABW/PA WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Aeronautical Systems Center Command Section was presented with the coveted Occupational Safety & Health Administration recognition as a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Worksite for the outstanding and exemplary occupational safety and health status performance of its leadership and employees. In a ceremony on 20 Jan the ASC Command Section was presented with a plaque and flag to recognize it as a workplace who has implemented comprehensive OSHA safety and health management. Sandra Taylor, OHSA Deputy Regional Administrator, presented the honors to Lt. Gen. Thomas J. Owen, ASC Commander. "This honor has been bestowed on only 28 DoD organizations nationwide," Taylor stated. "This is not an easy program. Your leadership made the choice and we are here to recognize that choice of looking out for one another." Gen Owen added, "Even though our work is primarily administrative we cannot take our focus off safety in the workplace. The principals of VPP apply to our thoughts and actions while at work, but should be applied to our home life as well." VPP is a cross functional program established by OSHA to recognize superior performance in the field of health and safety. The key to the program is a partnership between employees, management and OSHA, which promotes workers' safety through active and meaningful employee involvement. Simone Koram, Director of the 88th ABW VPP, stated, "AFMC is leading the Air Force in safety culture".