46th Test Wing Airman honored in local community

  • Published
  • By Leslie Brown
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  An Eglin Airman received the key to the city of Destin July 23 during their Red, White and Blue Celebration at the Destin Harbor Walk Village.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Davidson, a combat photographer assigned to the46th Test Wing's 40th Flight Test Squadron, was recognized for his service of providing critical operational intelligence to the warfighter.

Jim Wood, Destin city councilman, present the "key to the city" after recognizing his accomplishments to his nation.

"It's nice to show of the military people in our town," Mr. Wood said. "I think we don't award our military folks enough."

Sergeant Davidson's wife, Jill, and children were there to see him receive his honors. Col. Mike Brewer, 46th Test Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Bob Newman, 46th TW command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Rob St. Onge, 46th Operations Group command chief, were all in attendance during the event as well.

"The 46th Test Wing and Eglin are proud to be part of this community," said Colonel Brewer. "Public support is critical to our success and it is great that cities like Destin appreciate our mission supporting our nation's defense."

Sergeant Davidson, a Texas native, has been assigned to Eglin for nearly two years. He has deployed to Iraq twice to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was also integral to Operation NEW HORIZON-a joint humanitarian operation, which provided engineering and medical support to the people of the Caribbean. As part of his daily mission at the 40th FLTS, Sergeant Davis provides aerial high-speed, digital video, and still photography test data for developmental test and evaluation of Air Force weapons systems. 

"Sergeant Davidson is an outstanding Airman," Colonel Brewer said.  "I'm thrilled our local community recognizes and honors the efforts and sacrifices made by our Airmen."

Destin's second annual summer festival pays tribute to military members from the surrounding military communities of Eglin, Hurlburt Field, and Duke Field.

During his radio interview with 105.5 "The Wolf" DJ Skip Davis, Sergeant Davidson told listeners his main hero is his father.

"My father has made me who I am today," he said. "He gave me direction in life. His morals and values set a good example for me."

The Red, White and Blue Celebration, held each Thursday during the summer, was not only dedicated to his accomplishments but to all things military - a patriotic choir group, three World War II-era T-6 Texan aircraft flyovers and a patriotic fireworks display.

Future Eglin Airmen sharing this recognition include Staff Sgt. Elvan Rowe, representing the 53rd Wing July 30; and Tech. Sgt. Robert Shomake, representing the 96th Air Base Wing Aug. 13.