Utah civic woman gets high honor for public service

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Bentley
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON --  Vickie Mc-Call, a Top of Utah business woman, received the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award during a ceremony Feb. 4 at Joint Base Anacostia- Bolling, in the nation's capitol. The award, which is the highest honorary civilian award the Secretary of the Air Force may grant to a private citizen, was earned for her advocacy of Air Force issues and for her dedicated support of Airmen and their families while serving as a member of the Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program.

As an Air Force Civic Leader, McCall served as an unpaid adviser, key communicator and advocate for Air Force issues. She provided ideas and feedback to the SecAF, chief of staff, and other Air Force senior leaders about how missions can best be accomplished in her respective area and about public attitudes toward theAir Force and Air Force activities.

She was the interface between the Air Force and the civilian community near Hill Air Force Base. In this role, she explained and interpreted Air Force programs, positions, and problems to other key communicators through her personal contacts and correspondence, and to the general public through statements, appearances and speeches. McCall is now an emeritus member of the program but continues to serve as an advocate and ardent supporter of Airmen and their families.

The Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program is comprised of two representatives from nearly every major command, National Guard Bureau and Headquarters Air Force. Its members serve for a three-year term.