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SUMTER, S.C. - Military ceremonies, changes of command,
retirements and promotions, focus on change and achievements. People
tend to focus on those being awarded, those who reached the goal of
making another rank, and those who received new responsibilities as
leaders.
An American Red Cross mug sits in front of Larry Huff, 20th Medical
Support Squadron station chairman as he sits in front of his desk
going through his training procedures, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.,
July 16, 2013. Huff has been involved with the Red Cross since 2004.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ashley L. Gardner) |
Individuals, or groups who have accomplished goals, made
the next rank and received new leadership responsibilities
are often the forefront. Although, the recognized
individuals of ceremonial traditions are important, the
crowds of people who attend the ceremonies are equally
important.
A volunteer, father of four, husband and
retiree: Larry Huff, the American Red Cross station chairman
for the 20th Medical Support Squadron, is one steady
member-of-the-crowd who can be found with a smile on his
face.
Huff dedicates his
time to support every ceremony he can as often as his
schedule allows.
“I enjoy watching ceremonies and
seeing the differences from when I was in the military to
now,” said Huff. ”Serving in the military had its ups and
downs, but I have had some really good moments, I just made
the best of what I had.”
The Pennsylvania native
retired from Shaw AFB in 1978 as a staff sergeant after 20
years and 6 days of military service. During his time in the
military, he served in a variety of locations like the
Philippines, Vietnam and Tyndall AFB, Fla.
Since
retiring from active duty, Huff has been an active member of
the Shaw community.
Huff volunteers his time driving
a school bus for the base children, working at the American
Red Cross and wrapping gifts in the Base Exchange during the
Holiday Season.
“Volunteering for the gift wrapping
on base is one of my favorite activities,” said Huff. “It
gives me a chance to see people I haven't seen all year or
longer and also gives me a chance to work with the Airmen.”
After retirement, and before he found his way back to
Shaw AFB, Huff worked for an aircraft company, and a
motorcycle shop as a small engine mechanic. He has also
worked as a school district bus driver for 21 years.
In 2004, he sat down with his wife and told her he was
looking for something new after retiring from the school
district, and proceeded to get a job working for the Shaw
AFB youth center. Then, Huff went on to volunteer with the
American Red Cross and he has been with them since.
“I try to keep busy,” said Huff. “If I stopped doing all
this, I would sit down, and I wouldn't last any longer than
three to five years.”
The retired staff sergeant has
no trouble staying busy; along with volunteering he teaches
first aid courses, cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes and
babysitting classes.
“Larry is definitely one of our
most dedicated volunteers,” said Nancy Cataldo, American Red
Cross Sandhills branch executive director. “Over the last
couple of years, he has been instrumental in teaching health
and wellness training and an assorted amount of briefings on
base.”
In April 2013, Huff received special
recognition for his volunteer efforts at the Volunteer
Excellence Recognition Breakfast for Team Shaw volunteers,
showing that good efforts don't go unrecognized.
By USAF Airman 1st Class Ashley Gardner
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
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