Rescue Warrior Spouse awarded for volunteerism

  • Published
  • By Maj. Cathleen Snow
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  It's widely known that spouses are the military's backbone. Sight unseen they take care of the homefront singlehandedly while their spouse serves near and far.

However, one spouse has been able to shift her support into a more visible role within a local Air Force Reserve unit alongside her husband.

Jennifer Davis, the wife of Lt. Col. Tim Davis, 920th Operational Support Squadron commander, was recognized by both the 45 Space Wing and the 920 Rescue Wing April 25 during the 920th RQW's weekend training assembly for logging more than 2,500 volunteer service hours among both of the Air Force wings at Patrick Air Force Base.

As part of Project Emeritus, Jennifer Davis is one of the first volunteers to serve under a new program that opened opportunities up to dependents and Reservists, no longer limiting Patrick AFB volunteers to retired military members only.

"Her volunteer hours added up more quickly than any other volunteer on record in Project Emeritus's history," said Doug Sobin, PE Liaison Officer. Due to this, Jennifer was awarded an eagle statue and certificate, which was presented by Col. Jeffrey Macrander, 920th Rescue Wing commander, in front of the entire operational support squadron.

Jennifer served the 80+ member squadron by filling a manning void as its orderly room clerk handling many administrative duties.

"Due to a very limited budget, the OSS came up with a very unconventional solution to fill a void.  Jennifer quickly filled in and got up to speed becoming a critical asset. After serving apart from her for much of the 30 years I have served, it was nice having her close by for once," said Lt. Col. Davis.

She attended 28 drill training weekends volunteering as the pay monitor. In this position, she was consistently the first in and last out, ensuring all squadron personnel were credited and paid for their military participation.

"Serving with my husband and the troops has been both a blessing and a learning experience. It has taught me many new things such as working with a diverse group of people. Mostly though, I learned about the military hierarchy - where I personally fit in and how I was able to best help everyone," said Jennifer Davis.

Project Emeritus, a volunteer organization at Patrick AFB, is a program to solicit volunteers from the retired, active duty, dependents and civil service, to assist base personnel in mission support operations.

Retired military (all services), active duty, Reservists, dependents and civil service who are interested in volunteering four hours per week supporting the Air Force can contact a volunteer coordinator at 321-494-7656, email PAFBvolunteers@gmail.com, stop by 514 Falcon Rd, Building 415, Patrick AFB, Fla., 32925 or log on to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Patrick-AFB-Volunteering-with-Project-Emeritus/.

For information about the 920th RQW, follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/920thRescueWing.