Whiteman Spirit Award

  • Published
  • By 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Clark West, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, received the Whiteman Spirit Award from Col. Garrett Harencak, 509th Bomb Wing commander, Oct. 22.

Capt. Bryan Florio, 509th AMXS, nominated Sergeant West for the award.

"Sergeant West has taken the time to work on some very special projects," Capt. Florio said. "He single-handedly coordinated the Adopt-a-Highway clean-up for the 509th AMXS, which was only a mile, but went from our mile all the way to Hwy 50."

In addition, Sergeant West poured a concrete slab, built a fence and re-roofed the shed for the Whiteman Thrift Store, Captain Florio said.

"His efforts greatly enhanced the work of our Whiteman Enlisted Spouses' and Officers Spouses' Clubs," he added.

Sergeant West also performs auto maintenance for spouses of his squadron's deployed troops, and has repaired more than 20 vehicles this year

"He has come to be known as, 'The one to call when you car breaks down,'" Captain Florio said. 

"He's probably one of the most well-known Senior NCOs on base who has an endless giving attitude and is always thinking about others - especially his troops." 

Go-by name: Ed

Duty Title: Specialist section chief

Time on Station: 10 years, 6 months

Time in Service: More than 23 years

Hometown: Stockport, Ohio

Spouse: Katreana

Children: Heather, 21, and a future son-in-law, Chris, 23.

Hobbies: Mechanics, fishing and woodworking

Goals: To retire and leave the Air Force better than when I joined

Best thing about Whiteman: The small hometown atmosphere

Pet Peeves: Whiners who offer problems without offering solutions

What motivates my spirit: Friends helping friends