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NCO named Citizen of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Tech. Sgt. Robert Reed, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron, won the 2007 Chamber of Commerce Military Citizen of the Year Award Feb. 2.

Sumter's Chamber of Commerce along with Col. James Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander, presented the award to Sergeant Reed at the Hilton Resort in Hilton Head, S.C.

The avionics section assistant chief earned the award for all of his volunteer work for community events and fundraisers.

Sergeant Reed, an active member of Thomas Sumter Parent Teacher Organization, helped raise funds for school supplies and equipment through many events.

He also coaches the Sumter Parks and Recreation Department soccer team. He mentors his team on the importance of teamwork and discipline, which ultimately led them to first place.

"I have been coaching soccer for five years now and started while I was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.," Sergeant Reed said. "I started because my daughter wanted to play and I wanted to teach the fundamentals of the sport to the local youth."

He promotes physical activity and heart healthy living through the Sumter County Heart Walk and helped raise $1,500 for the American Heart Association.

Sergeant Reed served as team captain for the local "Relay for Life" and raised $4,000 for the American Cancer Society.

The sergeant also volunteered for the Darlington Raceway fundraiser to raise money for his squadron's booster club.

"I was a coordinator of souvenir alley during the NASCAR race," Sergeant Reed said. "We sold food and beverages and ended up raising more than $7,000."

Sergeant Reed gives much of his free time for his kids and their school, sports and the local community, said Tech. Sgt. Rick Huff, 20th CMS avionics section chief. He is very deserving of the award.

"He is our cheerleader, motivator and team leader for nearly every type of volunteer opportunity," Sergeant Huff said. "We are all proud of Sergeant Reed's accomplishments."