Citizen Airman and Beyond; Charleston Reservist Honored by Governor

Published Oct. 30, 2007
By Capt. Bryan Lewis
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. -- A loadmaster with the 300th Airlift Squadron received South Carolina's highest honor for volunteer and community service at a surprise ceremony here Oct. 21.

Master Sgt. Tim Potter was presented with the Order of the Silver Crescent from S.C. Senator Paul Campbell, Jr., who gave the award on behalf of Gov. Mark Sanford.

Sergeant Potter received the honor for the countless hours of community service he gave, including the building of a handicap accessible room for a child following spina bifida surgery.

"I just like helping people," Sergeant Potter said. "I've been blessed with great skills and I put those resources to use."

The governor himself noted those skills in his letter to Sergeant Potter.

"You have been tireless as an ambassador for many causes, and I am impressed just looking at the breadth of your devotion to others," said Governor Sanford. "By spearheading the process of a wheelchair-bound youngster with spina bifida, of building a bedroom complete with special controls for use after surgery, leading the efforts for an annual Christmas toy drive, helping countless families over the years in times of need with financial assistance, repairs to homes and appliances, or whatever the need might be, and working closely with the HOPE Worldwide organization, your involvement has had an extraordinary impact in meeting the needs of countless folks in the Lowcountry."

The recognition and praises for Sergeant Potter didn't stop there.

"Tim is the most selfless and genuinely concerned individual I have ever met," said Col. Bill Edwards, 300 AS commander. "He makes it his business to do everything he can for those who really need help."

Colonel Edwards said the squadron was determined to recognize Sergeant Potter, and after reading about the Order of Silver Crescent, he knew it was made for him.

However, according to Sergeant Potter, it is the squadron who deserves the award.

"This is actually the 300th's award," he said. "My squadron does a lot in helping me."
Along with his squadron, Sergeant Potter said his family plays a crucial part in his service to others.

"My wife is the biggest driving force behind the whole thing," he said. "She does a lot behind the scenes."

Senator Campbell presented the award and citation to the sergeant during a surprise ceremony. All Sergeant Potter knew was he needed to arrive in Air Force blues.

"I told my wife that maybe the squadron was surprising me with a retirement ceremony," he said. "She responded that she hoped not."

When it comes to his future in community service, Sergeant Potter is already proving there is no retirement in sight. He brings families in need and ideas each fall to his squadron in order to help them before Christmas.

"He is already planning this year's event," said Colonel Edwards. "It is a tradition now."