Altus Air Force Base News

 

Civilian Airman earns 2013 Volunteer Excellence Award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Levin Boland
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - --  A member of the 97th Medical Operations Squadron was recognized for her years of volunteer work during an awards ceremony at the Airman and Family Readiness Center April 11, 2014.

Mili Stallings, 97th MDOS executive assistant, was awarded the 2013 Altus AFB Volunteer Excellence award for her contributions to Altus AFB and the surrounding community. The award was established to recognize individuals who performed outstanding volunteer service that impacted a military installation or surrounding community.

Stallings has given a great deal of time volunteering at the Airman's Attic, teaching computer skills, making dolls for families of deployed service members, helping with the Hearts-Apart dinner, and raising funds for the Salvation Army. Her favorite volunteer work is tutoring members of the community to speak English.

"I love helping community members to learn to speak different languages," said Stallings. "I first started at the library off base that was in need of tutors. Right away, I could tell how much of a need they had for English teachers. So I gave it a try and I haven't been able to stop since. It's rewarding to see them learning, studying and putting in all their effort to learn English to help them blend into the culture better. Since I started, I have been able to help one lady get a job and have helped another with her job skills."

According to Stallings, all of her volunteer work wouldn't have been possible without the support of her husband U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Stallings, 97th Communications Squadron operations flight superintendent.

"I couldn't have done this without my husband," said Stallings. "His unconditional support is helping me achieve all of my goals with this work, whether it is just keeping me on track on a busy day to make sure I get to places on time or whether he is pushing me to stay motivated so I can help others."

Runners up for the award included Mary Dash, 97th Medical Support Squadron, and Ann Marie Mason, 97th Maintenance Directorate.

U.S. Air Force Col. Bill Spangenthal, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, closed out the ceremony to congratulate and thank all of the nominees for their volunteer work.

"These three nominees are tremendous examples of service before self," said Spangenthal. "Our lives are busy but volunteering our time to make a significant impact in the lives of others is truly an honorable thing."