Destin honors second Team Eglin member during summer fest

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Destin handed the key to their city to another member of Team Eglin June 25 during their Red, White and Blue Celebration at the Destin HarborWalk.

Senior Airman Tim Amos has been an intelligence analyst at the 33rd Operations Support Squadron for two years. He was honorably recognized for his service of providing critical operational intelligence briefings to 33rd Fighter Wing leadership and for similar service provided to military leadership while deployed.

"Airman Amos had to compete against numerous Airmen within the 33rd FW for this extraordinary honor and all well deserving of this recognition. However, I personally nominated Tim because his leadership and dedication to the mission while at home and while deployed is first-rate," said Master Sgt. Tyrone Robinson, 33rd OSS Intelligence Superintendent. "He is the epitome of today's expeditionary Airman, and will be an outstanding addition to the NCO tier."

Airman Amos said he was extremely honored and very humbled to represent the wing during the patriotic ceremony. Additionally, he felt a special connection to the award being that he lived Panama City, Fla., just 80 miles from Eglin, for 12 years prior to joining the Air Force in 2006.

"To have the opportunity to proudly represent the 33FW as a local hero is awesome," he said. "I do not consider myself a hero but I am very proud to be chosen as one by the city of Destin. During my time in Panama City I traveled to Destin numerous times. Growing up I could never have imagined being honored with the key to Destin. I am in awe of this award."

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

"Without them, what they do, and the sacrifices they make, we wouldn't be able to do what we want or enjoy our freedoms," said Bruce Craul, 33rd Fighter Wing honorary commander and event master of ceremonies.

For Airman Amos, his first Air Force assignment was perfect match, personally and professionally.

"My job is perfect for my personality," said Airman Amos who arrived at Eglin after basic training. "I enjoy staying current on all issues foreign and domestic and that just so happens to be a specific requirement for my job."

In March, Airman Amos returned to Eglin after a year-long deployment as an intelligence analyst for the Joint Operations Intelligence Center Counter-Intelligence Division in Kabul, Afghanistan. His performance earned him a Joint Service Commendation Medal. According to his supervisors there, he authored 30 human intelligence reports and provided highly perishable data key to disrupting Taliban operations to commanders.

"I've never considered myself a hero," said Airman Amos. "Airmen serve because they love their country, not to become heroes."

His list of heroes include his brother, an Army airborne ranger and influencing role model who drove the idea of serving the country inside Airman Amos' mind.

"I remember being only seven years old when I first told my parents I wanted to be in the military," he said. "When my brother would come to visit, he would always bring me his medals and Army equipment. I still have a lot of it."

During his radio interview at the Destin HarborWalk, Airman Amos told listeners his main hero is his father.

"His work ethic has always been impeccable and his love for God and family unconditional," he said. "My father has always been there to support and guide me during the good times and bad. I credit him with giving me the necessary tools to be successful in life."

The Red, White and Blue Celebration, held each Thursday in the summer months, feature 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. Kevin Davidson, representing the 46th Test Wing July 23; Airman 1st Class Samantha Higgens, representing the 53rd Wing July 30; and Tech. Sgt. Robert Shomake, representing the 96th Air Base Wing Aug. 13.