Hurlburt active-duty member receives Angel Award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sam House
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The Hurlburt Field Volunteer Recognition Ceremony was held at The Soundside April 10. 

"The ceremony is a small but important token of our appreciation for all our volunteers do," said Ruthy Srun, wing volunteer coordinator. "Its purpose is not only to recognize the amazing efforts of Hurlburt's volunteers, but also to celebrate them. We call our volunteers 'Community Commandos' because they have given their time and skills to benefit not only this base, but the local community."

Of the more than 450 Hurlburt volunteers, most are active-duty members, while many are family members, retirees, civilian employees, youths and Reservists.

"Everyone at Hurlburt Field is involved, and we are very grateful," Ms. Srun said.

The active-duty volunteer for the year was Master Sgt. Daryl Bernard, 15th Special Operations Squadron.

"Sergeant Bernard is doing a tremendous job as the 15th SOS first sergeant," said Major Michael Thomas, 15th SOS. "He works long hours and remains a dedicated and faithful supporter of the personnel in this unit, assisting with their every need."

Major Thomas added that Sergeant Bernard is also dedicated to improving the well being of his family, the local Florida community and every community where he has served.

Whether it's an orphanage in Thailand or the Philippines, a local Navarre youth sports program or his own family, you can find him lending his time and talents to making things better.

"It's for his efforts in selflessly giving to others that we are proud to see him recognized as an Angel Award winner," Major Thomas said.

Sergeant Bernard doesn't view his efforts as anything spectacular.

"Time is hard to judge for anyone, to include myself," Sergeant Bernard said. "I try to make the most of my day by ensuring every person I come in contact with understands they are my top priority at the time. If that means other things have to wait, then I put them on hold."

Sergeant Bernard added that the most important thing to him is the quality of time spent with whoever or whatever organization he's supporting. Living by this standard has given him personal fulfillment in life, knowing that he's helped someone.

"Remember in life it only takes one person to change the world, but someone has to step up to ensure that one person has a chance." Sergeant Bernard said. "I'm just an average guy. I believe that no one is better than anybody else, some people just have more opportunities than others. It's the ones that take advantage of the opportunities who get the upper hand."