Deadline near for AFA awards Published Jan. 19, 2011 Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year and the 2011 Verne Orr awards to the Air Force Personnel Center is March 1. The Air Force Association sponsors both awards annually. The Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award honors the significant contributions made by non-military spouses of Air Force military members from any Air Force component. The nominee's husband or wife must currently be serving. The Verne Orr Award recognizes an Air Force active-duty, Guard or Reserve unit that makes the most effective use of its human resources. The award is open to all Air Force units and organizations regardless of size. AFA officials established this award in honor of former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr to recognize mission-oriented unit accomplishments and achievements in using personnel to their full potential in order to accomplish the mission. Each major command, field operating agency and direct reporting unit may only submit one nomination for each award. Organizations and base-level personnel must contact their MAJCOM, FOA or DRU for applicable suspense dates and additional information regarding nomination procedures. For more information, visit the Air Force personnel services website or call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102. (Courtesy of the Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs)