Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Laonardo V. White from the California Military Department's...... read more read more
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(SACRAMENTO, Calif.)- U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Laonardo V. White from the California National Guard’s 195th Wing was presented the Roy Wilkins Military Service Award by the NAACP in Atlantic City, New Jersey on July 19, 2022.
“This award is provided to only one military and civilian person from among the over 2 million who serve and protect our great nation,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt Ronald Kesler, Senior Enlisted leader of the wings’ 222nd Information System Security unit.
“The award recognizes those who display exceptional character and promote tenets of civil/human rights, equal opportunity, and public service,” said Kessler who submitted White for this award.
White describes his early years as bumpy, coming from a family of six without the luxuries others had. “We didn’t even get presents for Christmas. All we saw were the products of poverty,” he said. “We had one family that helped us see there was more to life than our neighborhood. This inspired us to want to become something better.”
White has nearly 13 years of military experience to include 11 in the active component, a deployment to Afghanistan in 2015 before joining the Cal Guard as an opportunity to change fields.
While he started his career in the munitions field, his interest later shifted to the cyber field. “I joined the military to develop myself and create a foundation. It was a way to better myself and not become a product of my environment. I serve to be that inspiration to others," he said.
He attended South University, in Georgia and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in information technology and is working on his master’s degree in cyber security from the American Military University. This allowed him to secure a job at Beale, Air Force Base, located in Yuba County.
“It [this job] is a significant chapter in my story. This assignment has changed my career by allowing me to grow as a leader,” said White. He came to the position with a college education, a positive attitude but no practical experience. His leadership took a chance on him, and nearly two years later, no one had regrets said Kesler.
“He has consistently been involved with making improvements in our unit and stands out as a leader. This, coupled with his involvement within the community over the last couple years, made him a natural choice for this award,” said Kesler.
When it comes to diversity and inclusion, White is hopeful, stressing the strength of the organization and nation is based on everyone feeling valued and included. He said the first step is to recognize issues followed by culture change.
“With our current leadership, it's just a matter of time before the issue is non-existent. I hope that whatever position I am in that I can help with that transition,” said White.
Whites’ wife, Ashley believes that this award has made her even more proud to be a military spouse as she supports his continued efforts to give back to the community, and to create a better future for others, she said. The couple has been married for 17 years after meeting in chemistry class in high school.
“Being a military spouse is more than just carrying your spouse's last name. It requires patience, flexibility, and understanding. Change is always on the horizon and remaining calm and adaptive to change can make for any transition smoother,” said Ashley.
While honored to receive the award, White doesn’t look to the community for recognition. “While I attended the award ceremony, I realized that it’s not the award that meant anything, but what it means to all the veterans that were in attendance - It’s a symbol that someone is continuing to foster the NAACP mission in the military.”
White says the best part of serving is being able to help others. “This isn’t only helping families with necessities during holidays or creating programs, but I love to inspire others just by wearing the uniform. It gives those individuals hope and a glimpse of what they can achieve,” said White.
“This has been the best experience of my military career. This allowed me to see that I don’t wear this uniform for myself, I wear it for others. This is all thanks to my leadership for recognizing my contributions and creating an environment to inspire others,” said White.
| Date Taken: | 09.30.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2022 11:18 |
| Story ID: | 430533 |
| Location: | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 212 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Cal Guard Airman receives NAACP award, by MSG Salli Sablan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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