Airman honored for ambassadorship, volunteerism Published June 11, 2009 Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- For her efforts in founding the Iraqi Kids Outreach program, a first lieutenant from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, recently received honors during the Defense Department's annual meritorious service awards banquet in San Antonio. The 366th Services Squadron's 1st Lt. Sarah Flackus was the Air Force recipient of the 2009 National Image, Inc. Meritorious Service Award presented by National Image, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on equity in employment, education and civil rights for Americans. "Although this award makes me very proud to represent the Air Force, I am happy to bring visibility and awareness to humanitarian programs such as this," Lieutenant Flackus said. "The award symbolizes the hard work and dedication that others do to help provide those that are less fortunate with a better life. It also symbolizes that where one has a vision, it takes a team to execute." To bring comfort and normalcy to war-torn Iraqi families, Lieutenant Flackus and her fellow servicemembers collected, inventoried, sorted and delivered more than 60,000 household supply items and toys; delivered school supplies and educational kits to Iraqi women, children and educators; and collected 9,000 pounds of supplies to enable more than 120 Army humanitarian aid drops in remote regions normally inaccessible via supply routes. Sheila Earle, the executive director for the Air Force Personnel Center here, was on hand to present the award. "It was an honor to present such an outstanding officer with this award," Ms. Earle said. "She epitomizes the role of an ambassador for the Air Force. Her international focus, joint service collaboration and dedication to the culture of volunteerism are shining examples of what we hope others will emulate." Through constant education, the Air Force strives to instill in its Airmen a strong appreciation for diversity within the workplace and across the military branches. By reaching across the forces and cultures, Airmen find a collection of strengths, perspectives and capabilities that transcends their individual contributions. "I could not have done this alone. I built some great relationships with the Army ... who have helped keep the program alive. I'm honored to be a part of this Department of Defense team," Lieutenant Flackus said. Other meritorious service award recipients were: Army - Chief Warrant Officer Nestor Ramos, Sgt. 1st Class Dolores Rivera and Amando Canales Navy - Lt. Cmdr. Rhonda Byars, Petty Officer 1st Class Fernanda Velazquez and Esther Thatcher Marines - Gunnery Sgt. Nicholas Gonzalez, Staff Sgt. David Lara and Dioniso Flores Coast Guard - Lt. Martin Delgado and Aidalis Mills National Guard - Maj. Patricia Smith, Tech. Sgt. Fernando Wilkins and Christian Laguillo Fourth Estate - Gilbert Montoya The awards ceremony capped off the 37th annual training conference that focused on career development of government employees and preparing youth to enter the work force.