TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Located in the 325th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron here, surrounded by a maze of large equipment, is a room filled with the aroma of popcorn and jalapeños. Inside is a desk filled with paperwork, and behind this desk sits Tyndall Air Force Base's newest Volunteer of the Quarter, 1 April through 30 June.

Tech Sgt. Lori Shackleford grew up in Enid, Okla. She began giving back to her country 14 years ago when she enlisted in the Air Force. With numerous duty stations under her belt, Shackleford was finally stationed to Tyndall AFB. For the last two years, Shackleford has been assigned to the 325th ADS as the NCO in charge of maintenance at the 325th.

During duty hours, Shackleford ensures the altitude chamber and life support aerospace physiology equipment is working properly. After duty, the lively NCO returns home to her family of three: 13-year-old son, Spencer; 6-year-old son, Luke; and husband, Nick.

Shackleford is described as an exceedingly sharp military member by individuals who have read her nomination package for Volunteer of the Quarter.

"The Volunteer of the Quarter award is one way the Volunteer Advisory Council is able to recognize 'Team Tyndall' active-duty and civilian volunteers for their outstanding support of the community," said Ms. Tarrant, chair for the Voluntary Advisory Council.

"To be chosen for Volunteer of the Quarter, the nomination package must show that the person has performed outstanding volunteer community service throughout the quarter, providing services that have a direct and positive impact [on the community]," said Tarrant.

"During the last quarter April through June, volunteers reported over 8,000 hours for a savings in excess of $144,000 to the community." Tarrant said.

In three months, Shackleford's volunteer efforts calculated to 113.5 hours supporting numerous base and local activities. Some of these events included: the United Sports Academy Baseball camp where she instructed 106 children and was chosen as the "Diamond Dog" award winner; Bay Haven School Spring Fest; Panama City Swim meet; Gulf Coast Triathlon; March of Dimes Walk America; and Adopt-A-Highway.

In addition, she led a 13-member team, supporting eight events and contributing more than 197 hours at the NCO Academy, earning the Commandant's Award.
A former softball player herself, Shackleford's favorite volunteer activity became the baseball camps in Lynn Haven where she worked with children of all ages. After consistently volunteering, she was asked to become an instructor for the camp, teaching baseball basics and team work to the children.

"Some of the kids that go there don't have the [benefits] we do. The camp gives them goals and dreams," Shackleford said. "You see a spark in their eyes that they didn't have before and it's worth it."

Shackleford isn't the only volunteer in her family. Volunteer work for the Shackleford family is as routine as family meals.

"Family: that's what made me start volunteering," said Shackleford. "I want my kids to know the importance in giving back to the community," she said.

"I take them with me everywhere I go," said Shackleford. "They enjoy it."

After an event, Shackleford and her family take time to reflect on the contributions they made.

"We look at the whole worldly picture," said Shackleford. "How eight hours of our time impacted the community."

Typically volunteering on the weekends, the Shackleford family's participation usually picks up during summer break.

"The kids look forward to seeing the certificates, and then they can look back on the event," said Shackleford.

Earning Volunteer of the Quarter was exciting for Shackleford.

"It's impressive," said Shackleford, after being praised by individuals who she has never met, but who know of her actions.

"They see your efforts on paper, but to have them truly understand how much work I put into it...it hits home," said Shackleford elatedly.

"Volunteers are invaluable to the health of our community and I cannot express how much their service means to Tyndall,' said Tarrant.

"I put in hard work and it's good to get the pat on the back," said Shackleford. "The kids were really excited. They wanted to see the [nomination package] that had all my information on it."

Shackleford encourages airmen to volunteer and reap all the rewards.
"It's not just an EPR bullet," explains Shackleford, "it's your world. People want the community to provide for our safety and wellbeing, but you have to be willing to give back to that community as well," Shackleford said.

Volunteer work is mostly enjoyed when the volunteers find things they enjoy doing, explains Shackleford. "There are all sots of thing to get involved in."

Shackleford volunteers for numerous Tyndall events, but also went above and beyond by searching for volunteer work in the near by communities. Overhearing conversations at a store while waiting in a check-out line, Shackleford would learn of events which needed support.

"Nine out of 10 times, if you ask to help they will say yes," Shackleford said with a smile, "In fact, usually, they start begging you to bring more help."

Shackleford seems to be the ideal model for what some Air Force leadership calls the 'full-up' Airman: a hard worker, a strong volunteer, a mentor, an individual who takes her career and life goals seriously.

Receiving Volunteer of the Quarter is an acknowledgment for a job well done. For Shackleford, it's also proof to her children that volunteerism and good deeds don't go unnoticed.

Be assured, Shackleford and her family's motivation will not waiver.

"Most organizers look for help to support events," said Shackleford, "I look for the events to help support."