509th MUNS Airman nominated for GEICO Military Service Award

Published Sept. 20, 2012
By Heidi Hunt
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Each year GEICO recognizes enlisted service members of the Armed Forces for their valuable and lasting contributions in the three specific areas of endeavor.

This year, one of Whiteman's own, Staff Sgt. Devin Giles, 509th Munitions Squadron Verification and Checkout Equipment Team Chief, was nominated for the 2012 GEICO Military Service Award in the traffic safety and accident prevention category.

Giles, who was selected by Air Force Global Strike Command as its command nominee for the award, said he has never won anything at the command-level before and it feels great to be recognized.

"Being nominated and winning is an honor and an awesome feeling," Giles said. "There is no better feeling to see others learn as I put forth efforts into the overall goal: safety."

Giles was nominated because he was a perfect fit for his achievements, said Master Sgt. Aaron Williston, 705th Munitions Squadron. Williston was previously with the 509th MUNS and was Giles' supervisor.

"[Devin] spent many hours per day coordinating with various organizations and meeting with individuals above his rank," Williston said. "From the beginning, his motorcycle safety program was going far beyond the standard."

Group and wing leaders realized Giles was a valuable asset because he painstakingly researched every aspect of the program, took that knowledge off-duty and became an extremely knowledgeable Green Knights President.

"As president of the local chapter of Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club, I spread the safety message to more than 400 riders, helping to cut incidents in half," Giles added. "I also masterminded a safety expo for more than 300 bikers."

Giles believes the one thing that set him apart from others is his passion for riding -- including staying safe.

Some of Giles' specific accomplishments, both on and off-duty, include creating a squadron motorcycle program from scratch, developing reoccurring training newsletters, organizing motorcycle safety meetings, and serving as the wing's point of contact for riding safety.

Giles has organized and sponsored numerous events and fundraisers on behalf of Whiteman AFB and the local community. Additionally, he has been a key player and a leader that immerses riders in a safety culture.

"Although impossible to know for sure, I am certain that he has saved lives," Williston said.

Giles advised Airmen who feel their hard work and dedication isn't getting the recognition they deserve to not give up, don't lose hope and continue to do their best.

"One of the best things to do is keep a list of your accomplishments for both on-duty and off-duty so you have some sort of proof," Giles said.

GEICO has recognized members of the U.S. military with this award program since 1988.