Sergeant coined for volunteering excellence

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  For the first time in several years Tech. Sgt. Teddy Goon went to the local Bob Hope Enlisted Village without it being a holiday or plans to support residents' needs.

He walked in Feb. 11 with his supervisor solely to be recognized for his volunteer service.

"I would like to extend my gratitude for the part Sergeant Goon has played during most of our meals for the past three years," said retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Binnicker. 

The ninth chief master sergeant of the Air Force is also the chief executive officer for the Bob Hope Air Force Enlisted Village, Fort Walton Beach, Fla. He said Sergeant Goon, 33rd Maintenance Operations Squadron mobility equipment element non-commissioned officer in charge, consistently volunteered to help kitchen staff with preparation of the meals. 

Easter, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas were on the list of days the sergeant spent with residents since 2003. Sometimes he'd take other Airmen with him if he was serving a large meal or leading various projects. 

"He is considered our expert 'clipper operator' in the kitchen," said Chief Binnicker. 

"I volunteer because in my mind, if my grandparents needed help, I would want to think someone is out there that will give them help (without grief or aggravation)," said Sergeant Goon who's own grandparents live in Los Angeles, Calif., and Boston, Mass., his hometown.  "I just go to their house, do what needs to be done, tell them to call me if there's anything else, and say 'have a nice day'."

While the Village gets a lot of support from local volunteers on an occasional as-needed basis, sometimes only for one event, Sergeant Goon stands out because he keeps returning to help. It is this unique commitment that sparked the idea for Chief Binnicker to present a personal message of thanks.

"He has gone so far above and beyond any expectations of a volunteer, and now we found out he is PSCing - we had to do something special for a very special person," said Jena Sweeney, Bob Hope Village events coordinator. "Without volunteers, we could not possibly provide the big holiday meals and events we do for our widows. We are a non-profit organization and cannot afford to hire the staff required for large events."

Sergeant Goon's communication with residents while he's working at the Bob Hope Village adds something extra - joy, she said.

"I do believe it's important that Airmen be involved in their community, because one needs to understand what their place is in it and how they can help improve or enhance it," said Sergeant Goon. "I try to get the younger troops to volunteer their time at the village, just because sometimes the residents would appreciate talking to the next generation, and for those same troops to get in touch with living history."

While volunteering at the Bob Hope Village, the sergeant said he has received wisdom from those willing to share their own personal struggles.

"I will never know what it was like to live through the Great Depression, or suffer because of Jim Crow laws, or emigrate to the U.S. as a foreign bride," he said. "Their past is our shared history; it would be a shame if we never learned their lessons." 

With the drawing down of personnel at the 33rd FW, Sergeant Goon plans to move to Nellis AFB, Nev., where he hopes to be promoted and retired with a total of 22 years of service.