Edwards' airman joins elite group of Americans

Published May 12, 2010
By Stephen K. Robinson
95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Edwards' own Master Sgt. Bo Abiodun, 412th Test Wing, F-35 Plans and Scheduling non-commissioned officer-in-charge, has been named one of the United States Junior Chamber 2010 Ten Outstanding Young Americans.

"When I was notified by phone that I had been selected as a recipient, I said wow, that's great. I don't know anything about it," Sergeant Abiodun said. "The voice on the other end told me, 'No! You don't understand. This is a very prestigious honor.'"

Sergeant Abiodun joins an elite group of more than 600 young Americans who have received this honor in the award's history. Many TOYA award recipients went on to great achievement in a variety of fields: Presidents John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton, and Vice Presidents Al Gore, Dan Quayle and Richard Cheney received the award. Also honored were Howard Hughes, Orson Wells, Elvis Presley, Nelson Rockefeller, Ted Kennedy, Susan Butcher, Ann Bancroft, Gale Sayers, Larry Holmes, Jeanna Yeager, and actors Christopher Reeve and Shannon Reed.

"I didn't have any idea I had even been nominated for any recognition. So, when I was notified that I had been selected as a recipient of this award, I was caught off guard - totally surprised. I didn't have any idea the magnitude of the TOYA. I had to research it to learn about its importance," Sergeant Abiodun said.

TOYA is a Jaycee recognition project that exists to recognize and honor 10 Americans each year, between the ages of 18 and 40, who exemplify the best attributes of the nation's young people. It also provides them the tools they need to build the bridges of success for themselves in the areas of business development, management skills, individual training, community service, and international connections.

"I believe in and live the 'whole person concept', that a balance in life's functions and events is required to live a better life, and that life will be more fulfilling if lived as such than if ignored," said Sergeant Abiodun. "This means I put God and my family before all else, that I maintain myself to better care for and mentor others. This may not work for everyone. But, it's what works best for me, so I'll continue on smartly."

The Jaycee creed is 'That earth's greatest treasure lies in human personality and that service to humanity is the best work of life'.

"Master Sergeant Abiodun is an enjoyable person to work with," said Capt. Blair Byrem, 412 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft maintenance unit officer-in-charge. "He's always good-natured and happy to be here. He's always willing to provide insight from a different perspective. He's actively involved in mentoring and advising all of our people."

Winners are selected on the basis of achievement or contribution in any three of the following areas: personal improvement or accomplishment; financial success and economic innovation; social improvement to major contemporary problems; philanthropic contribution to voluntary service; politics or government service; scientific or technological contributions; legal reform; cultural achievement (to include contributions in literature, history, education, or the arts); academic leadership or accomplishment; moral and religious leadership; athletic accomplishment; success in the influence of public opinion (news media and other means); and any other important contributions to community, state, or nation, at the discretion of the judges.

"He's a well-rounded leader and person as a whole -- a huge asset to this organization, the Air Force and humanity in general. He's an outstanding mentor up and down the chain of command. He mentors through his actions -- the best way of being an example," Captain Byrem added.

With the focus of the nation on volunteerism, from the smallest towns to the largest cities, the Jaycees are enlarging areas of opportunity for young people.

"I joined the Air Force right out high school. For the first nine years, I did what was expected of me by the Air Force; learned what to do the Air Force way," the 19-year veteran said. "Then, I had a very kind and caring Chief Master Sergeant who suggested that I put my interest in computers to good use. She encouraged me to earn my bachelor's degree, and I did so in computer information."

Sergeant Abiodun has accomplished all of his advanced education while on active duty. He has also earned a master's degree in information management and public administration and is near completing a doctorate degree in strategic planning. He enjoys mentoring and says that it is a responsibility he gladly assumes.

"Mentoring is not a part-time responsibility. When I think about it, I can be a mentor to anyone at anytime, especially my daughter, and others who depend on me as an example and for guidance. I see this very clearly when I teach in the evenings at Antelope Valley College," Sergeant Abiodun added. "I don't know many who beg to be mentors, but I do know of many who, because of their status, are made to be mentors. I never made it a point to be a mentor, but when the opportunity arose I wholeheartedly embraced it."

He also serves as treasurer at the church he attends and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, a fraternity whose members' mission is 'Achievement in every field of human endeavor'.

This award originated as the Ten Outstanding Young Men program, which was officially adopted in 1938 and has been conducted annually since 1940. In 1984, the Junior Chamber admitted women as members and, in accordance with this change, reorganized this awards program to reflect the organization's membership. In 1985, the program was officially changed to Ten Outstanding Young Americans, recognizing the accomplishments of young women and men.

Sergeant Abiodun will find himself in good company at this year's awards banquet with two National Football League players, Kurt Warner, retired quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals and Aaron Kampman, who last year played defensive end for the Green Bay Packers; Benjamin Symko, an attorney from Grand Rapids, Mich.,; Sean Shumate, fencing coach and instructor at Morehead State University, Ky.; and five other outstanding young Americans.

Sergeant Abiodun will receive his trophy, citation and lapel pin at the 72nd anniversary black-tie awards celebration ceremony in New Orleans, La., June 5.