Tinker NCO wins national service award Published July 17, 2009 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Master Sgt. Robert VanLiew said he doesn't want fame or fortune. Nor is he a role model. He said he's just trying to be a good parent, husband and employee. But his opinions didn't stop officials from presenting him with the 2008 GEICO Military Service Award. He was one of six, and the only Airman, to receive the recognition this past April. Despite the award, Sergeant VanLiew said he sees himself as an average guy, just like the many other Tinker members who serve as volunteer firefighters in their own communities when away from work. Like the sergeant, they are medically trained and prepared for the unknown. "I'm an average guy," said Sergeant VanLiew, 545th Propulsion Maintenance Squadron propulsion flight superintendent, who is also a volunteer firefighter in Pink, Okla. "I didn't think I was doing anything above and beyond what anyone else would do." An Airman for the past 20 years, the sergeant has volunteered in Pink, a small town approximately 30 miles southeast of Tinker, for the past three years. In his part-time volunteer position, the father of two teenagers and husband to wife Lisa, responds to medical calls, car accidents and fires. He said he responds to emergency calls placed during nights and weekends, and ranges from eight to 30 hours a week. In fiscal 2008, Sergeant VanLiew, according to his awards' package, is credited with training 177 personnel in the 76th Maintenance Wing. He performed 191 safety inspections throughout the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group and corrected 26 safety violations. Additionally, as a volunteer firefighter, responded to 70 medical calls. One call was an automobile accident where he had to stabilize a child's neck. For another, he steadied a compound leg fracture after a motorcycle accident. "Selflessness and service before self are just a couple of words to describe Sergeant VanLiew's actions," said Alfred Lee, the sergeant's former supervisor. "As his supervisor at the time, I had no knowledge of his extracurricular activities. He discreetly performed his noble feats without recognition or special favors. He simply did it because there was a need in his community for volunteer firefighters." The GEICO award recognizes enlisted military members from each branch, plus the National Guard and reserve, who contribute to their military and local communities in one of three areas: drug and alcohol abuse prevention, fire safety and fire prevention, or traffic safety and accident prevention. Tinker has several other volunteer firefighters, including Michael Hall of the 327th Aircraft Sustainment Squadron. "I am an ordinary guy that tries to help where I can," said Mr. Hall, who for the past two years serves as a firefighter to the Bridge Creek Fire Department. Bridge Creek, a small town, is approximately 40 miles southwest of Tinker. "I try and teach my kids that it is important to help people when they need it, and to be service-minded. I try to live this out as an example for them." Like the sergeant, Mr. Hall responds to a variety of calls whenever he is within the district. "People call us when they are at their worst, when time is critical and there is no one left to call," Mr. Hall said. "Being able to help could mean the difference between life and death for that individual." Rusty Tucker, a planner for the Tinker Aerospace Complex, a captain and emergency medical services first responder for the Bethel Acres Fire Department, agreed. "Being a small volunteer department means you have to be able to do all phases of fire fighting and EMS," Mr. Tucker said. "Being a volunteer is one of the most fulfilling opportunities one has to be a part of in the community. To get to go to the schools and daycares to teach the children fire safety, hoping they never need it, but preparing them in case they do. If it helps one person or family, it will have all been worth it." The town of Bethel Acres is approximately 30 miles east of Tinker and Mr. Tucker said he has been with the department for nearly 17 years.