Airman 1st Class Cameron Clarke, Altus AFB Volunteer of the Quarter

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Airman 1st Class Cameron Clarke is Altus Air Force Base's Volunteer of the Quarter (Apr - Jun) 10.

"I credit my award to God first of all and also to my co-workers who pushed me to go above and beyond of what's expected of me," said Airman 1st Class Clarke.

Airman Clarke, among other efforts, devoted 32 hours in service to Altus' Airman Against Drunk Driving program, which in that time counted 110 saves. He volunteered for flag details that raised 60 flags throughout Altus and earned the booster club $200. He volunteered to proffer at the first quarter award luncheon, distributing 20 trophies and facilitating a first-rate ceremony for 150 attendees.  He sold $800 in concessions at the 97th Operational Support Squadron air show booth. He also gave time as the point of contact for the Asian Pacific Heritage lumpia fundraiser, which made $2,000 for organizational events, according to his nomination package.

"I believe this award will help me in the future when it comes to winning other awards because now I know what it takes to be nominated for an award and ultimately win at the wing level in the end. Winning this award has also helped me build character and has given a new perspective on the programs such as AADD and what a huge help it is to this base," said Airman 1st Class Clarke.

Airman Clarke served with Habitat for Humanity, building homes for area families. He gave 40 hours as a member of the Altus adult soccer league, promoting the "Fit to Fight" ethos and creating a positive bond with the local community. Airman Clarke has also worked at the base library, reading to children and presenting awards for the library's reading challenge.

He served as videographer for his squadron change of command, and served on a flag detail for the Armed Services Young Men's Christian Association luncheon for which he received a challenge coin from the wing command Chief Master Sgt.

"My advice to anyone who wants to achieve the same recognition is to volunteer as much as possible. I can't speak from a married perspective, but as a single Airmen aside from going to Dallas or Lawton every once in a while we Airmen have a lot of time to spare so why not use it wisely," said Airman Clarke.

Airman Clarke graduated from Treasure Coast High School in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and still has family in Florida. He serves at Altus AFB as an aircrew flight equipment technician with the 97th Operation Support squadron.

"I'm no different from any other airmen on this base so if I can get recognized I know anyone else can. If you want it you just have to go get it," said Airman Clarke.