Base instructor nominated for Fredian Award Published Oct. 19, 2010 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Staff Sgt. Geoffrey Gagnon, 338th Training Squadron, is Keesler's nominee for the annual ThomasV. Fredian Community Leadership Excellence Award. Enlisted service members from military installations throughout south Mississippi have been nominated for the award. It's presented Tuesday at the 32nd annual Salute to the Military sponsored by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. Sergeant Gagnon, who's been in the Air Force for eight years, went through his technical training at Keesler and returned in 2007 as an airfield systems instructor. Sergeant Gagnon is responsible for developing and producing 180 skilled technicians annually through direct supervision, classroom instruction and academic tests. He achieved a perfect student pass rate for his courses that include theory, maintenance procedures and operations on tactical and strategic communications equipment. He counsels and mentors students and enhances training products based on feedback from warfighting units to support air expeditionary force mission readiness. He's earned two Community College of the Air Force degrees and achieved an "outstanding" rating during a no-notice instructor evaluation by the 2nd Air Force and 81st Training Wing standardization/ evaluation teams. He was also recognized as his squadron's noncommissioned officer of the quarter and instructor of the quarter. Sergeant Gagnon coordinated volunteer programs which led to his squadron receiving the City of Biloxi's Volunteer Organization of the Year for 2010. He was responsible for monthly support to Habitat for Humanity, including door and window framing, flooring supports, roofing, installing insulation, hanging wallboard, painting, building porches and sheds, and planting a community garden at a new housing complex. He orchestrated a block cleanup, landscaping and construction of a stage for a Hurricane Katrina anniversary event in Long Beach. He facilitated a partnership with Hope Community Development Agency to scrape mold to prepare a hurricane-damaged home for renovations. Sergeant Gagnon was recognized as a "Star Performer" by the Keesler Top III for his efforts after Hurricane Gustav struck the base in 2008. He also served as a volunteer with the rapid response medical team for Special Olympics. He earned his American Heart Association CPR instructor certification, enabling him to instruct two courses for health care providers and private citizens. "I don't volunteer for awards or recognition, but because I strongly believe it's the right thing to do," Sergeant Gagnon said. "Offering a helping hand to those in need not only assists the individuals receiving aid by enabling them to get back up on their feet where they can make their own contributions to society, but also helps the entire community by restoring property values and enticing businesses to move in to the area. "I consider it my responsibility to share the message with those who otherwise would just observe from a distance, not realizing the difference they could be making with just a small commitment to help others," he continued. "Many of my co-workers and trainees have returned time and time again once they have experienced the pride and profound joy of helping another person." Sergeant Gagnon is married to Staff Sgt. Christina Gagnon, 81st Medical Group. They have two children.