Deployed Airman receives Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Santana Austin
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Staff Sgt. William Smith, 87th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation craftsman, was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal April 17 during his deployment to Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

Sergeant Smith, currently deployed with the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, was honored for his work that included more than 300 hours of volunteer work in 68 days at the Joint Base Balad Theater Hospital.

Although Sergeant Smith may be accomplishing his mission downrange, his hard work and outstanding service has never gone unnoticed.

"If I ever needed to accomplish anything, Sergeant Smith was always ready to help," said Chief Master Sgt. Jackie Larrison, 87th APS superintendent, who has worked with the sergeant the day he arrived at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Chief Larrison said every base has a different criterion for military members in order to qualify for the service medal, but the reason remains the same. Military members who perform a significant amount of volunteer service that is significant in nature and above and beyond the duties that are required are recognized.

"In order to acquire this distinguished medal at Joint Base Balad, one must accumulate more than 300 hours of volunteer work and Sergeant Smith has earned this award," said Chief Larrison.

Sergeant Smith's award write-up shows his medal is well-deserved. It says he carried injured coalition and U.S. troops from choppers to the ward for further evaluation and treatment. He also sorted and stocked care packages for hospital patients and their families.

"I'm proud of all the men and women in our unit who are dedicated to their service on-and off-duty," the chief said. "We've currently had two Airmen receive awards during their deployments and I hope to see more achievements for their futures."