Team Kirtland leader honored with New Mexico Distinguished Public Service award Published Nov. 4, 2010 By Stefan Bocchino 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Kirtland Air Force Base -- Mr. Tom Berardinelli is among 12 New Mexicans to be honored with a Distinguished Public Service award at a Nov. 16 banquet at the Marriot Albuquerque Pyramid North. As the director of staff for the 377th Air Base Wing, Mr. Berardinelli advises and represents the wing commander in executing the wing's mission, evaluating policies and directives, and represents the commander in community relations. He entered civil service in 2007 after a distinguished 26-year Air Force career. Mr. Berardinelli retired from the Air Force as a colonel after completing a tour as the commander of the Air Force Inspection Agency at Kirtland AFB. This year marks the 41st anniversary of the Governor's New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Awards. The awards are an annual celebration recognizing citizens throughout the state for their outstanding contributions to public service. The awards recognize outstanding improvements of government at all levels by both government employees and private citizens. He spoke about receiving the news. "It was a big surprise, I really didn't know I'd been nominated," said Berardinelli. "It was humbling when I saw who the other 11 people were. It's certainly an honor to be considered in their company." "One of the best parts of my job is the interaction that I have with the community, said Berardinelli. He said the award imposes a lasting duty. "Receiving this award reminds me of my responsibility to the Kirtland Air Force Base and Albuquerque communities," said Berardinelli. "I need to ask myself, 'What I have done today to continue to deserve this award?' This is an award that you have to keep earning after you've received it." "This will be a reminder to me that I need to continue or double my efforts in that regard," he said. "It doesn't get much better than being recognized for something you love doing."