97th MX VPP to be honored with "Star" status Published April 26, 2013 By 010413 ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 97th Maintenance Directorate is scheduled to receive honors May 1st, 2013, for their accomplishments in achieving "Star" status in their Voluntary Protection Program. Media are welcome to attend the ceremony, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. May 1, 2013, at the Wings of Freedom Park at Altus Air Force Base. Media who wish to attend this ceremony should contact the 97th AMW Public Affairs office at 580-481-7700 no later than Friday, 26 April at 5 p.m. to ensure base access. The 97th MX became the first civilian and active-duty aircraft maintenance unit in the Air Force to achieve "Star" status in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 2012. According to OSHA, the Star Program is designed for exemplary worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health management systems. Companies in the Star Program have achieved injury and illness rates at or below the national average of their respective industries. The 97th MX's VPP is self-sufficient in its ability to control workplace hazards, according to OSHA's requirements to be in the Star Program. By encouraging employee involvement, and developing new and innovative safety methods, the 97th MX made 2012 their safest year since they began the VPP in 2006.