OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Communications Group awarded Margie Smith, 55th Communications Squadron honorary commander, the Commander’s Public Service Award Oct. 19, 2018 at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
Honorary commanders are civic leaders who are paired up with a military unit commander. The purpose of the program is to spread knowledge and understanding of the Air Force and the installation.
“She is the greatest honorary commander I’ve ever encountered in my 30 years of active duty and now eight years of civil service,” said Roger Sirois, 55th Communication Squadron deputy director. ”She is hands down the greatest honorary commander I’ve ever worked with - the most giving, the most thoughtful, the most willing to participate in any shape or form.”
The Commander’s Public Service Award is given to those who demonstrate dedication and commitment by significantly contributing to the improvement of conditions for base personnel, facilities or mission. It is reserved for non-government civilians when services are voluntarily, performed as a public service, or motivated by patriotism.
Smith is a member of the Offutt Advisory Council, participating in various morale boosting events and offering continuous support to over 200 Airmen of the 55th CS resulting in a significant and positive difference to the men, women and their families.
Smith was nominated for the award by Lt. Col. Scott Papineau, 55th Communications Group deputy commander, who was previously the 55th CS commander.
“She does so much for all the Airmen, so this is to recognize her for all her hard work,” he said.
The award was presented to Smith during the 55th CG third quarter commander’s call hosted by Col. Corey Ramsby, 55th CG commander.
Smith was happily surprised by the presentation.
“I was completely flabbergasted, proud, overwhelmed, grateful, and I wanted to hug everyone in that room,” said Smith. “The Communications Group and their wonderful squadrons at Offutt AFB are prime examples of outstanding leadership in our military. Their dedication to producing informed, educated, kind and community-oriented airmen should be followed by all and used as a template for all military. I am honored to assist them from the civilian side, offering opportunities to enjoy Offutt and the communities around it.”