Elmendorf Airman captures American Legion award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mikal Canfield
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  An Elmendorf Airman was recently honored as the Air Force winner of the American Legion Spirit of Service Award. 

Senior Airman Robb Hulet, 3rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, received the award during the American Legion's National Convention in Reno, Nev., Aug. 28. 

The award was presented for Airman Hulet's volunteer service in their local communities, American Legion officials said. This is the eighth annual presentation of the award, which includes a one-year membership in the American Legion, the nation's largest wartime veterans' organization. 

"I am deeply honored and humbled to be the 2007 Air Force representative to the American Legion," said Airman Hulet. "When I volunteer for things, it is never with the thought of awards -- I just like to help people." 

According to the American Legion, to receive this recognition the individual must be an outstanding military professional and be actively involved with volunteer projects in the community during off-duty hours. 

"Airman Hulet is deserving of this recognition because of the caliber of Airman he is," said Senior Master Sgt. John W. Edwards, Jr., 3rd EMS Armament Flight chief. "He always has a positive attitude, regardless of the task at hand, and has a tremendous work ethic. That, coupled with the fact that he always lends a hand to those in need, makes him a standout among his peers and an asset to his work center and the Air Force. Robb truly epitomizes the Air Force core values and is deserving of the American Legion Spirit of Service Award." 

The award nomination came about after Sergeant Edwards received an email looking for Airmen who met the description of the award. 

"Robb Hulet was the first person to come to mind," he added. "After talking to his team chief and supervisor, I submitted his name. We then began gathering information of all of the things he selflessly volunteered for and all of the different organizations he was apart of." 

According to his nomination package, Airman Hulet has volunteered for events ranging from Boy Scout team leader to 17 hours as an Airmen Against Drunk Driving driver. In addition, Airman Hulet has spent time volunteering with the American Red Cross, local Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Adopt-a-Highway program, among others. 

Sergeant Edwards said he would periodically receive notification that Airman Hulet had won at a particular level and that he was going up to compete at the next level. Then after some time, Airman Hulet received notification he had won for the entire Air Force. 

A month after that, Robb, his wife Mychel, and his son Eli were flown to Reno to attend the American Legion National Headquarters 89th Annual National Convention where he did a phenomenal job representing the Air Force, Sergeant Edwards added. 

"Being in Reno can only be described as completely surreal," Airman Hulet said. "I was treated like a celebrity, from a limousine at the airport, to a suite at a resort/casino, to riding in a 1955 Cadillac Eldorado convertible in a parade through downtown Reno. The only hard part was speaking to a crowd with more than 9,000 people, including military personnel of all branches from E-1's to an Army four-star general on the stage with me." 

American Legion National Commander Paul A. Morin, who presented the awards to the servicemembers along with Gen. Charles C. Campbell, commander of U.S. Army Forces Command, explained the purpose of the award. 

"As an organization of wartime veterans, we truly understand and cherish the concept of service to community, state and nation," Morin said. "These outstanding representatives of our armed forces demonstrate the very heart of every Legionnaire - a relentless commitment to serving their country and their fellow Americans." 

The servicemembers were selected by their individual services to receive the award. The American Legion provided for accommodations, meals and travel during their time in Reno. 

"This is one of the best things that's ever happened to me," Airman Hulet added. "It is a once in a lifetime event, and I will always remember how it felt. Winning this award has made me a better Airman because it makes me want to live up to the honor of such an award." 

(Portions of this article were taken from an American Forces Press Service release)