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Airman demonstrates service before self

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UTAH --  By excelling in his career and volunteering in the local community, Senior Airman Scott Gatewood, Chief of Customer Service in the 419th Military Personnel Flight, is the epitome of service before self.

Aside from his full-time duties in the MPF, Airman Gatewood coaches a junior hockey team, volunteers for the 419th Operation Diamond Heart program, and serves as a volunteer firefighter for the South Weber Fire Department.

"I have never worked with anyone as dedicated as he is," said Senior Master Sgt. Tray Carpenter, 419th MPF superintendent. "He is always the first to volunteer for anything."

With a can-do attitude, Airman Gatewood keeps a rapid pace in all areas in his life and still finds time to volunteer with the wing's first sergeants. He has helped raise more than $2,000 for the Diamond Heart program, which helps Airmen who are struggling financially. In the future, he hopes to organize a hockey event to raise more funds.

Airman Gatewood is just as dedicated to his work as he is to volunteering, and his efforts don't go unnoticed. He takes his jobs responsibilities so seriously that he will sometimes come to the office even after working through the night on a firefighting call, Sergeant Carpenter said.

Although he typically focuses his energies on improving his job performance and volunteering, Airman Gatewood now wants to improve himself by going back to school, finishing up a bachelor's degree in health management or nursing, and possibly being commissioned.

"However I choose to serve in the military I know I will be successful," Airman Gatewood said. "Whether I am enlisted or commissioned, I will still be guiding Airmen and ensuring mission success."