A1C Forrest Arndt, Altus AFB Award Winner!

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Airman 1st Class Forrest Arndt is the Air Education and Training Command nominee for the 2009 Department of Defense Military Firefighter of the Year Award.

This annual award recognizes an individual military firefighter (active duty or reservist) for superior job performance and outstanding contributions to the fire service, with specific focus for on-duty related contributions to Fire and Emergency Services programs.

"I credit the award to having good supervisors, like Staff Sgt. Gilbert Sanchez, who dutifully lead the fire department with great passion and charisma," said Airman Forrest My supervisors have set me up for success by letting me know exactly what I need to do to get off to a good start in my Air Force career."

Airman Arndt took this honor by earning Airman of the Year from the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron as well as Airman of the Quarter for the 97th Air Mobility Wing. As a responder, he's responsible for saving the life of an unresponsive infant, stabilizing a suicide attempt victim, and treated injuries ranging from domestic disturbance to diabetic emergency to a motor vehicle accident.

Airman Arndt also excels above his peers academically, earning six Community College of the Air Force credits through the College Level Examination Program in his pursuit of a Masters of Business Administration. He earned a 91 percent average for all Career Development Course volumes and was upgraded to his 5-skill level ahead of his peers. He carries a 4.0 grade point average at North Central University.

He's the Fire Department representative for the Booster Club, worked to raise $500 for morale purposes. He also volunteered with the Armed Services YMCA luncheon and the Firefighter Combat Challenge. He served as announcer for two "Final Alarm" ceremonies, paying respect to fallen and honorary firefighters.

"As a worker I am motivated by the work ethics of my dad and grandpa," said Airman Arndt "Their blue-collar example instilled in me the importance of working hard and doing the job right," he said.

Airman Arndt hails from Apache, Okla., and is married to Lindsey; they have two sons, Zavian and Emeric. His family still lives in Apache and Stroud, Okla. He holds a bachelor of arts from Cameron University in Lawton, Okla.

To those looking for similar recognition, Airman Arndt has this advice; "To others who want the same recognition I propose making life easy for your supervisors by not getting into trouble and doing things before you are told to do so. I would like for people to know that the Air Force is a good place to be and it recognizes and awards its workers."

Airman Arndt will go on to the Air Force competition level and then to the DoD Fire and Emergency Services level.