An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Article Display

MSgt Fogle named Liberty USO Air Force Servicemember of 2010

  • Published
  • By James L. Hodges
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The Liberty USO will present its 2010 U.S. Air Force Servicemember of the Year award to Master Sgt. Melvin "Shawn" Fogle, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Air Transportation Branch superintendent Oct. 1 during their annual Gala.

The son of a sergeant major of the Marine Corps, Fogle was born in Charleston, S.C., but got the chance to grow up in various locations around the world, spending most of his time in Okinawa, Japan and Camp Pendleton, Calif.

"I had quite the disciplined upbringing, which sometimes bleeds out as I execute my duties as a senior NCO in the Air Force," said Fogle.

After spending a year and a half in college, Fogle decided his passions laid elsewhere. Fogle fell in love with the Air Force when he was 14, working for McDonnell Douglas (aerospace manufacturer, merged with Boeing in 1997) in the summer hire program.

"I always knew that I would wear this uniform, I just didn't know exactly when," said Fogle, "I made the decision to come into the Air Force and never looked back."

Fogle was 305th Aerial Port Squadron Air Freight Operations superintendent when nominated for the award but transferred to the Expeditionary Center on the first of September.

"We're so fortunate to be getting superstars of Shawn's caliber assigned to the EC," said Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, U.S.A.F. Expeditionary Center commander, in an e-mail announcing Fogle's award.

"Shawn's attitude is always positive," said Chief Master Sgt. John Gillette, Command Chief of the 305th Air Mobility Wing. "That is a great asset that he has."

Fogle's attitude has helped shape his career into one of a leader, teacher and mentor.

"We can all get caught up in the day-to day mission, but Shawn says 'Wait a minute, who is -going to take my place when I'm gone? If I don't get out from behind my desk and develop others to do this job, they're going to be less then capable,'" said Gillette.

"So Shawn has taken that and said 'I'm going to give them the capability to do the job that I'm doing.' The real Shawn is about making other people successful. The man is just an exceptional leader."

For Fogle, validation comes from the Airmen he works with every day.

"I know that Col. Scott Smith [former 305th Air Mobility Wing commander] put his name on the line for me and thought I was a little bit better than the average," said Fogle. "I know everything that has been given to me has been a blessing and a testament to the folks that have worked for me and with me."

The Liberty USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey selects a servicemember of the year from each of the five services. A message is sent out to every local command for nominations. This year a total of 25 nominations were received, seven from the Air Force. Commanders were asked to nominate their best servicemember in military duty performance and outreach to the civilian community in terms of volunteer work. The nominations were rated by a committee of three members from the Liberty USO Board of Directors. An order of merit ranking was established based on the criteria of military excellence and volunteer outreach. The top-ranked individual is the winner.

Prior to receiving their awards at the gala, each servicemember and their spouse will receive a day on the town in Philadelphia, a visit to the Battleship New Jersey, lunch at the Union League and a visit to Philadelphia City Council. Fogle and his fellow winners will also receive free accommodations at the Lowe's Hotel for the evening.

Fogle acknowledged it was not just his hard work that got him the recognition.

"I have definitely been lucky enough to have surrounded myself with some great talent," said Fogle. "I may be the only one on stage, but there's probably at least two or three hundred other folks that could be in my position."