45th Space Wing recognizes CivMil Person of the Year at annual banquet

by By Staff Sgt. Erin Smith
45th Space Wing Public Affairs

1/30/2013 - PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Leaders from the 45th Space Wing hosted local community leaders at the annual commander's Civilian Military Community Relations Council Banquet, Saturday at the Tides.

During the banquet, Dave Spain was named CivMil Person of the Year.

Mr. Spain was recognized for his continued support of CivMil and the military community since 1979.

"Anytime he has the opportunity to help people, he does everything in his power to help," said Don Beck, CivMil administrator. "His support for the military community hasn't wavered at all, and he continuously goes above and beyond. This year was no different."

Mr. Spain has been a part of CivMil since 1979, and over the years, he has represented Brevard County at Air Force Space Command as part of the Space Command Civilian Advisory Board. He has also done significant work with the Defense Intelligence Agency, and earned the Office of the Secretary of Defense's highest civilian award, The Office of the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award for his work with the agency.

For Mr. Spain, the decision to give back is easy.

"The base is good for the community," he said. "Base members spend thousands of hours volunteering in the local community. It's important that we give back to the base as they give back to the local community."

The strong working relationship between the 45th Space Wing and the local community is what allows Airmen from the 45th Space Wing to successfully deliver assured space launch, range and combat capabilities for the nation.

"People like Dave allow us sharks to do great things and accomplish the mission," Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, 45th Space Wing commander said, "His top-notch efforts, as well as the efforts of the entire CivMil, are just another example of how so many people give so much to the uniformed men and women of the Space Coast Community."