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31st IS sets ‘service before self’ standard

By 1st Lt. Peter Lindsay
31st IS
Fort Gordon, Ga.

The widespread motivation within the 31st Intelligence Squadron to reach out to the communities surrounding Ft. Gordon, Ga., has never been more visible.

In an effort coordinated by MSgt. Derrick Parks, the 31st IS, located on Ft. Gordon, joined forces with the Willis Foreman Elementary School in Hephzibah, Ga., to host the school’s annual field day.

Armed with stop watches, clipboards, balls, balloons, and relay batons, 27 members of the unit spent one full day coaching and directing events for the school’s 733 students.

Teachers and administrators praised the airmen for their involvement. “You don’t know how much of a difference you make,” one of the teachers remarked.

Linda Sanders, who works as a counselor in the school, graciously thanked the 31st IS for adopting the school and giving so much to support its academic and fitness programs. “Without the Air Force,” she said, “It would almost be impossible.”

In addition to teaming with the local elementary school, an Air Force team, organized by TSgt. Ken White, placed fourth in a field of 40 teams in a fund raising race to support the American Cancer Society. The Relay-For-Life event occurred recently at Greenbrier High School in Evans, Ga.

In all, members of the 31st IS ran 81 miles in a relay run that started at 6:30 p.m. and lasted until 11:30 a.m. The Air Force team raised $3000 to support cancer research. One of the team members, SrA. Kenya Loring, individually raised $860.

The event drew significant community attention and recognized over 160 cancer survivors. More than 20 members of the squadron and members of their families participated.

White, who coordinated squadron involvement in the two-day relay enjoyed the event, and despite colder-than-expected temperatures over night, thought that everyone had a rewarding experience.

The high rate of volunteerism among members of the 31st IS has drawn attention from the Army installation’s leaders, as well as from elected officials in neighboring cities.

“Senior leaders have noticed who we are and how active we are in nearby communities,” said Lt. Col. Jerry Dean, 31st IS commander.

In fact, the mayor of one neighboring town officially set aside a day to honor the Air Force squadron each year for significant contributions that members of the 31st IS have made to the Grovetown community.

Augusta City Mayor Bob Young also praised the unit and made a personal visit to the squadron recently.

The unit’s forward-reaching recognition program may encourage the high levels of community service among its members. Squadron members received over 1,250 certificates of appreciation or commendation and 70 commander’s coins for the exceptional and voluntary work during the last two years.

MSgt. Glenn Spencer serves as president of the 31st IS Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Council. Noting the relatively small size of the squadron’s 360 active duty personnel among Ft. Gordon’s 10-thousand person military and civilian population, Spencer estimated that the Air Force is “ahead of the game” in the amount of community service given voluntarily by its members.

While the unit encourages mem-bers to get involved, the biggest reason they do may be summed up in a statement made by SSgt. Dana Grier, who participated in the Willis Foreman Elementary event. “I like to help people.”