The 309th Maintenance Support Group, part of the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, reached a significant safety milestone this month when it was formally recognized with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program Star certification.
The VPP Star is OSHA’s top-level safety recognition, awarded to organizations that have demonstrated strong safety and health management systems. It’s a rare certification held by fewer than 1 in 5,000 worksites across the country.
The July 10 presentation ceremony marked the culmination several years of effort, collaboration, and sustained progress across the 309th MXSG. From infrastructure engineering and industrial plant maintenance to nondestructive inspection, chemical analysis, and tooling support, the group’s operations enable depot production and touch nearly every corner of the Complex.
Buddy Briesmaster, 309th MXSG director, said achieving the VPP Star was a “long and arduous” journey that began well before his tenure.
“It took years of collaborative effort from engineers, technicians, safety experts, union representatives, and leadership, all committed to creating a culture of safety compliance and accountability,” he said. “This recognition reflects the tireless work of our team, from the technician level up, and their deep commitment to protecting one another and sustaining our mission.”
The VPP program manager for the 309th MXSG, Nick Call, said the certification process was shaped by years of behind-the-scenes work, rigorous assessments, and sustained employee engagement.
“This achievement wasn’t just about meeting a standard, it was about proving our people’s unwavering commitment to safety,” said Call. “The program thrives on our employees’ dedication to a safe work environment and continuous improvement.”
In late 2024, the group completed a comprehensive three-day assessment by OSHA and Special Government Employees, including more than 100 employee interviews. Since adopting VPP Star program elements, the 309th MXSG has reduced recordable safety incidents by 48%.
Call credited the group’s performance to strong employee ownership, open communication across sites, and the work of Unit Safety Representatives through inspections, safety boards, and creative initiatives like Safety and Health Bingo.
Briesmaster also acknowledged the contributions of former and current VPP Champions, including Lisa Marshall and Chat Mather, for their roles in maintaining safety focus through organizational transitions, noting that several individuals have served in this leadership role over the years.
The VPP Star designation places the 309th MXSG among an elite group of worksites across the Department of Defense.
It also joins the 309th Missile Maintenance Group and the 309th Electronics Maintenance Group as VPP Star-certified units within the Ogden ALC, reinforcing the Complex’s reputation for safety and excellence.
Maj. Gen. Kenyon Bell, Ogden ALC commander, congratulated the group and emphasized the importance of a safety culture.
“The VPP Star isn’t a finish line, it’s a commitment to stay vigilant, innovative, and accountable,” said Bell. “For the 309th Maintenance Support Group, it reflects how they work: deliberately, safely and with purpose.”