BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq –
An award ceremony recently held in Salt Lake City recognized an Airman for his dedication to improve his community. That Airman will spend his day 7,000 miles away performing force protection duties.
Senior Airman Edward Slavik of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron is the Air Force recipient of the American Legion Spirit of Service Award. The award annually recognizes an outstanding performer from each branch of the armed forces for his or her off-duty volunteer service to the local community.
"Airman Slavik's record of achievement and selfless contributions are impressive and make him highly deserving of this award," wrote Maj. Gen. Tony Przybyslawski, the Air Force Personnel Center commander, in his note to Gen. Duncan McNabb, the Air Mobility Command commander.
In the past year, Airman Slavik volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston County Parks and Recreation and other organizations near Charleston AFB. He is assigned to the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels flight here.
"(Volunteering) has been a great way to meet people and broaden my horizons," the St. Clairsville, Ohio, native said. "It makes asking 'What did I do today?' more interesting."
Though Airman Slavik did not attend the ceremony, he taped a message that was played when his commander accepts the award for him.
Airman Slavik said he was honored to even be nominated for the award, but the award does not compare to the satisfaction of helping others.