My award

The military likes to give away awards to people. Jeremy's commander is fantastic about having his people submit their names for awards that he thinks they deserve. This is often the case for me with Col Fuller. He sees an award offered and wants to submit my name for it. I cringe when I have to do this because I have to recall all the service acts I have done, tell it to Jeremy, have him cut it down and summarize it into military cryptic writing, have his boss come back and make clarifications, send it to an award writer, and then in the end I can't even remember what I have been entered in for. Plus, I don't want to feel like I do service just to be recognized by others.

For the particular award that I just "won" I wanted to explain how this works...the award organizers announce that an award is being offered. They send it out to all the military with the qualifications that they are looking for and a format to follow. In this case, Col Fuller saw it and wanted me to submit a packet to our base (or Wing). I was chosen by the wing as their nominee so they sent my packet to PACAF (the headquarter group, or MAJCOM, over the Pacific bases) and they also selected me as their nominee to be sent to the Pentagon to compete against other MAJCOMs. (Other military areas of the world). I think the next step might be the final one when it comes to competing but there are so many amazing people out there who do great things that I don't care if I win or lose.

This award is called the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award. I looked up these people and they were truly amazing. These are the qualities that need to be exhibited for their award winner:

• Individual or organization who exemplify the Fisher's personal qualities of patriotism, generosity, and selfless dedication to the members of the armed forces through an outstanding humanitarian act or service. 
•  Selflessly contributed an extraordinary amount of time, talent, or resources to benefit members of the armed services. The impact should have been broad and wide-ranging in scope, regardless of monetary impact. 
• Significantly enhanced the quality of life of military members or their families through the act or service.

I read about Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher and their dedication to others and the military and was so impressed. They spent their lives in the service of their fellow man.

I didn't understand what being the PACAF nominee meant but after reading about these people I am truly honored to be selected. In all seriousness, I am really not sure I am worthy of the compliment.

I am grateful that Col Fuller, Gen Garland, Gen Carlisle and others think so highly of me. I hope that I can live up to this honor.