Edwards Airmen put 'Service Before Self' into practice

  • Published
  • By Laura Mowry
  • Staff Writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Airmen from Edwards and Los Angeles AFB demonstrated "Service Before Self" is more than an Air Force core value -- it's a way of life. Veterans Day presented the Airmen with a break from the duty day, but it didn't stop them from serving their country or their community.

Capt. Ronald Aung, a flight test engineer with the 445th Flight Test Squadron, led the way as the Airmen teamed up with other active duty servicemembers, veterans, and civilian volunteers to plant an orange grove at the Veterans Home of California of West Los Angeles.

The 40 orange trees will offer benefits to residents such as aroma therapy, fresh fruit for snacks and meals as well as funds for support services through produce sales.

An active volunteer in the community, Aung was eager to participate in the service project and welcomed the opportunity to give back to those who served their country.

"I am always looking for a chance to volunteer. If there's an opportunity and I have the time, I will definitely volunteer. That's why this Veterans Day service project worked out so perfectly," Aung said.

Excited about the project, he spread the word throughout the Edwards and Los Angeles AFB communities. Coordinating with the two bases, Aung recruited 17 Airmen to participate in the project.

"It's important as active duty [servicemembers] to get involved in the community, especially for this project of helping veterans. I want the community to know that we are here for them and support them," said Aung.

He worked with Pedro Barrientos, manager, Agency Partnerships and Training from Volunteer Los Angeles to register participants and complete paperwork. Together, they set a substantial goal of signing up 20 volunteers.

"Oh wow, did Captain Aung exceed my expectations. His dedication to bring such a large number of volunteers is really appreciated. I was absolutely thrilled," Barrientos said.

The Veterans Day service project was a joint venture between Volunteer Los Angeles and ServiceNation: Mission Serve. It was one of 11 Bank of America-sponsored events throughout the nation.

A final tally revealed that 136 volunteers helped plant the orange grove at the veterans home in West Los Angeles. The Edwards volunteers stood out to Barrientos for their commitment to service.

"I love the idea of active Airmen and I look forward to continuing this relationship," said Barrientos.

Team Edwards volunteers traveled nearly 200 miles round-trip to participate in the Veterans Day service project. Although it was a long day for Airmen traveling from the Antelope Valley, it was a rewarding experience for Airman 1st Class Domique Stallworth, 95th Medical Support Squadron.

"Oh man was I tired, but it was so worth it. It was Veterans Day, and giving back to veterans was the perfect thing to do," said Stallworth.

Stallworth is no stranger to volunteering in the community; but spending the day planting orange trees at the veterans home shed new light for her on the volunteering experience.

"This was the first time I have ever volunteered with an officer participating. Captain Aung is so nice and so caring, it was such a great experience," said Stallworth.

Although the focus was on helping residents at the veterans home, the veterans were also grateful for the opportunity to volunteer.

"The whole day boosted morale. It was really great to step back and look at where we came from and what we're fighting for," said Stallworth.

Volunteering in the community is an important part of life as a young Airman and lessons learned can prove to be invaluable, Aung said.

"Leadership skills are extremely important as you progress in your Air Force career. I want to present opportunities for these Airmen to step up as leaders," Aung said.

Aung worked with Stallworth to market the Veterans Day service project and sign up participants.

"None of this would have happened without Airman Stallworth. She was instrumental in helping me find volunteers," Aung said.

The lasting impression the Airmen left on Volunteer Los Angeles sparked a discussion between Aung and Barrientos to expand the group's efforts in the Antelope Valley. Currently, those efforts are limited to a court-mandated volunteer program based out of the Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse.

With the 60th anniversary of Volunteer Los Angeles, the group is looking to expand its volunteer services within the next six months according to Barrientos. Bringing more volunteer opportunities to the Antelope Valley is the goal for Aung.

"Seeing all these Airmen drive so far to volunteer speaks volumes about their character. My ideal goal is to bring these opportunities to the Antelope Valley, to get more Airmen involved in our own local community," said Aung.

With his first deployment scheduled for this summer, if everything goes according to plan, Aung says he might see the fruits of his labor before he departs.

"I'm really just trying to be a good ambassador to the community. If Airmen show the community we're doing great things, we'll get more support. That benefits us, which in return benefits them. It's just a good cycle, said Aung.

Whether he is serving his country or his community, Aung exemplifies "Service before Self" and inspires those around him, said his supervisor, Capt. Jade Lemery, 445th Flight Test Squadron.

"It's really amazing to watch, he is so thankful for the opportunity he's been given. In and out of work, Captain Aung needs to be the example of what can and should be done," said Lemery.

Originally from Burma, Captain Aung and his family came to the United States when his mother won the immigration lottery. Once in the United States, he set his sights on serving the country that gave him a new opportunity.

Upon graduation from U.C. Berkley in 2005, with a degree in electrical engineering, Aung enlisted in the Air Force. Fifteen months later, he was granted citizenship and began Officer Training School. Today, he excels as a flight test engineer, Lemery said.

Lt. Col. Jason Schott, commander, 445th Flight Test Squadron, enjoys having Aung as a part of the team.

"What an excellent young man. He really is a tremendous citizen -- highly motivated and a great mentor. He understands American opportunities and acts so selflessly not to be born here and yet give so much back," said Schott.