Ellsworth Family Child Care provider wins award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alessandra N. Gamboa
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  An Ellsworth licensed family child care provider, Angie Vinson, was one of only two from military bases worldwide selected for the 2011 National Child Care Teacher award.

The Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation presented the award to Mrs. Vinson during a ceremony in Philadelphia, April 14.

According to the TLLCCF, the award Mrs. Vinson received was first given to local child care teachers in 1994 and has since expanded to a national platform, "to pay tribute to child care teachers who are dedicated to ensuring that young children are educated, reach developmental milestones and are well-cared for while their parents are at work."

In addition to this accomplishment and more than 15 years of working as a child care provider at five different Air Force bases, Mrs. Vinson is also in the process of earning accreditation from the National Association for Family Child Care.

Such dedication also earned recognition from Col. Trent Edwards, 28th Mission Support Group commander, who was present at the awards ceremony.

"I was so honored that Colonel Edwards was able to attend the awards ceremony," Mrs. Vinson said. "It was a very humbling experience and I'm very appreciative for having been blessed with recognition for providing quality child care, which is something I love to do."

Colonel Edwards is only one of many who appreciate what child care providers do for working families - their level of commitment has achieved international attention. Individuals and government organizations throughout North America, Europe and Asia recognize May 6 as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.

Lee Curtis, 28th Force Support Squadron family child care coordinator, emphasized the important contributions of child care providers to the military community.

"Angie and all of Ellsworth's providers are the unsung heroes of the military service," Mrs. Curtis said. "They sometimes open their homes at 4 a.m. and on weekends so that Airmen can do their jobs knowing their children are being cared for by dedicated and loving providers. The providers' families are supportive of their mothers and wives because they know the providers are making a positive difference in the lives of military families."

Mrs. Vinson, wife of Tech. Sgt. Wyman Vinson, 28th Medical Operations Squadron dental laboratory technician, admits that she would not be able to do her job without the love and support of her family.

"My husband and I have four children of our own," Mrs. Vinson said. "They are all very patient and sharing of both me and our home with the other children. It's very important for me to say thank you to my family and to the children's parents whose care for their children and interaction with them lifts me up at the end of the day."