ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Growing up in the state of Tennessee, where young children are taught the history of their state and it's legendary volunteers, instilled in Tech. Sgt. Keith O'Daniel, an air transportation specialist with the 89th Aerial Port Squadron, is the importance of volunteering and taking care of his community.
Since then, Sergeant O'Daniel, has made volunteering an important part of his life and has received impressive recognition for his tireless efforts.
During last week's 89th Airlift Wing's standup, Brig. Gen. Margaret Woodward, commander of the 89 AW, informed Sergeant O'Daniel in front of all 89th group commanders and first sergeants that he had won the 2008 Geico Service Award at the Air Mobility Command level. Also, she informed him that next he is slated to compete on an Air Force wide level.
"The award is Geico's way of recognizing federal employees who are doing outstanding things in the communities," said Sergeant O'Daniel.
The sergeant did not waste much time after enlisting in the Air Force before deciding to take the initiative and get involved in his local community.
"My first base was Pope in North Carolina and there was a little fire department outside the back gate with a big sign that said 'Volunteers Needed,'" said Sergeant O'Daniel. "So I went over there, volunteered with them, and fell in love with it."
Sergeant O'Daniel is now a captain with the Forestville Volunteer Fire Department as well as Chair of the Fire Prevention and Education Committee.
"We take fire prevention messages and target them to the citizens of Forestville, especially those that are elderly who tend to be at more risk of fire related accidents," said Sergeant O'Daniel.
Additionally, due to his wife Alice being a special education teacher in Prince George's county, Sergeant O'Daniel had an opportunity to spend time with children and realized there was something he could do to help keep them safer.
"We noticed there was nothing in terms of fire prevention education for special needs children, so now we are trying to develop a program in Prince George's county that helps the children and their families," said Sergeant O'Daniel.
"When I'm working at the fire house I get to meet all kinds of people," said Sergeant O'Daniel. "Unfortunately, I'm meeting them at the worst times of their lives. So anytime I get to go out into the community and talk with people on a non-emergency basis and share some tips that will help them, that's the best part."
Sergeant O'Daniel spends approximately 16 hours per week and more than 70 hours per month away from his wife, Alice, of 15 years, his daughter Brianna, 11, and son, Brian, 9 due to his volunteer efforts. Those volunteer efforts are obviously in addition to his full workload at the 89 APS but his balancing of the most important things in his life is truly impressive.
"The Air Force, my community, and my family are the priorities in my life," said Sergeant O'Daniel. "With everything going on in my life, there's very little 'me' time left, but once I have raised my children I'll have a chance to reflect on everything."
Sergeant O'Daniel wished to thank Capt. Robert Raybon, former officer in charge of 89 APS, as well as Lt. Col. Leigh Method, former commander of 89 APS, who took the time out of their busy lives to write out his award package and submit it for him.
"Andrews isn't just inside this fence," said Sergeant O'Daniel. "It's what we can do here in the community, so I encourage anybody, if they have 30 minutes, to do something to help someone else out."