JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Airman 1st Class Michael Thorndike works for the 628th Communications Squadron on Joint Base Charleston, S.C. While working for the 628 CS his primary duty is to provide communications security support for all of Joint Base Charleston. He also manages and administrates a number of base programs including secure telephone networks and the cryptographic access program throughout his nearly 10 hour workday.
"Airman Thorndike is a highly motivated and dedicated Airman," said Staff Sgt. Jeff Idol, noncommissioned officer in charge of wing information assurance. "His outstanding drive to see the mission succeed inspires others to give it their all. The Air Force could definitely use more troops like him."
According to Airman Thorndike, he thinks that it is important for Airmen to get out and volunteer on base and in the community.
"Volunteers as a whole have a massive impact on the quality and growth of the community," he explained. "Many of the events we all enjoy here on Joint Base Charleston would never have happened if it weren't for the hard work and dedication of volunteers. In addition, most of the aid, support and community improvement projects and services that happened in the Low Country are mostly, if not entirely, support by volunteers. These programs and services help and support local community members, who otherwise would struggle to meet even the basic needs."
Many Airmen around the base have issues locating volunteer opportunities or think they do not have the time. Not only does Airman Thorndike volunteer during his lunch hour, occasionally he takes time out of his weekend to help out around the community.
"If any member of Joint Base Charleston wants to get out and volunteer, they need to look no further than the internet," said Airman Thorndike. "There are a number of local organizations that do nothing but find and organize volunteers for literally hundreds of organizations in the local area who need help."
The internet is not the only place where Airmen around base can find volunteer opportunities. They also have professional organizations here on base who offer volunteer opportunities every month for anyone to get involved with. Airman Thorndike knows this first-hand and for this reason he created the First 6 Volunteer Opportunities section for the base newspaper.
"The main reason for creating the article in the base paper was to get some unique and diverse volunteer opportunities to every Airman on base," Airman Thorndike explained. "This was for people who want to get out and make a difference, but might not know where to look. With this section in the paper Airmen can just open it up and see a number of the great programs and organizations to get out there and get involved with."
Volunteer of the Quarter was set up to recognize the First 6 members who have gone above and beyond the line of duty. It is dedicated to individuals who help further the goals of the First 6 or represent the First 6 here on base or out in the community. Volunteers are tracked by the First 6 council members and nominees can be forwarded at any time. Once a quarter all nominated members are looked at by the First 6 members who make up a panel to judge the respective packages.
"Airman Thorndike is one of the First 6 membership officers," said Staff Sgt. Laci Brokaw. "Since taking position he has briefed more than 60 new Airman at the First Term Airman Center. He is also a mentor for a young child and meets with him once a week while also supporting the local International Center for Birds of Prey. Airman Thorndike has also recently participated in Habitat for Humanity and "Stamp out Hunger," where they helped collect 100,000 pounds of food for the Low Country Food Bank. Always ready to help, Airman Thorndike is much deserving of being the 'First 6 Spotlight' winner."