'Sharp' 31st TES Airman earns Diamond Sharp Award for helping community

  • Published
  • By Diane Betzler
  • Staff writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Senior Airman Anthony Hay, 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, was awarded the Diamond Sharp Award from the First Sergeant's Council for services above and beyond the call of duty.

When a call for help went out from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9657 in Rosamond, Calif. after the facility had been vandalized, Hay was one of the first to respond.

"He took the initiative and gathered a crew of Airmen to repair the damage done to the facility," said Master Sgt. Bruce Stohlman, 31st TES first sergeant, when presenting the award July 27.

Stohlman said the First Sergeant's Council recognizes outstanding contributions that Airmen make to either the base or the community and thanked Hay for "a job well done."

Stohlman said Airmen like Hay help foster good relations with the surrounding communities. He presented Hay with an award certificate and a First Sergeant's Council coin, which is the council's version of a challenge coin.

Hay plays down his role in helping the VFW repair the damage done by vandals.

"The vandals spray painted graffiti on the side of the building, so we painted over that. We did some yard work, did a little cleaning on the inside and made the area look nicer."

There were about 20 other Airmen helping in the effort, Hay said. "It was a base-wide effort."

Daumants Belte, VFW Post quartermaster, praised Hay and the rest of the Airmen for their part in the cleanup.

"It would have taken us old folks a lot longer to do what they did," Belte said. The Airmen, and Hay in particular, got a lot of work done in a short amount of time. "They had the side of the building painted in a couple of hours. We really appreciate all the work and time they dedicated to us," Belte said.

Stohlman said the council doesn't give out Diamond Sharp awards aimlessly. "A maximum of two people per month can receive one. Hay was the only recipient this month."

He said the council has only given out five awards in the past four years.

"When I do get to hand an Airman an award for his or her excellent contribution to the base or the community, it's a lot of fun," Stohlman said.

And for his part, Hay enjoyed his role in the VFW Post cleanup.

"I had the opportunity to help my community. It was a good feeling," Hay said.