Chief Adducchio receives outstanding service award

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- Chief Master Sgt. David Adducchio, the 178th Component Maintenance Flight chief here , was awarded the 2009 Lt. Henry A. Beckley Award May 4 during the 28th Annual Springfield-Clark County Armed Forces Day Luncheon.
The award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in the service of their community, state and nation.
"Chief Adducchio has excelled as a leader, a mover and shaker," said retired Col. Ralph Anderson, chairman of the Miami Valley Military Affairs Association. "I can personally speak to his record of being a contributor to his fellow Airman, to his unit and community. He is frequently found providing the leadership necessary to help others and generally making other member activities successful."
Chief Adducchio was recognized for his contributions to the Honor Flight project. Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices. Veterans are taken to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their memorials.
"Chief Adducchio stepped forward again to become a volunteer to serve as a Guardian for Honor Flight," said Mr. Anderson. Chief Adducchio served as a "guardian" for numerous Honor Flight trips. A "guardian" volunteers to pay their own way on the veteran's trips and provides assistance to the traveling veterans as necessary.
"[David] without hesitation stepped up as a leader, offered assistance, maneuvered wheel chairs, and did whatever was needed to give our veterans the day they deserved," said Annette Beach, an Honor Flight volunteer. "Throughout the day, he was quick to serve and every move was accompanied by a friendly tone and gratitude. He put the veterans first and was respectful in every way."
In addition to Chief Adducchio's contributions to the Honor Flight program, he also organized three money-raising events for Honor Flight which brought in $6,600 this year.
"A few weeks ago, David presented Honor Flight with two checks; one being $1,600 for Honor Flights Data Entry Department to assist with the purchase of some desperately needed computer equipment. The second check for $5,000 to help Honor Flight locally, all the results of his personal fund raising initiatives." said Ms. Beach.
Chief Adducchio joined the 178th Fighter Wing in 1977. Following basic military training and technical school, Chief Adducchio returned to Springfield to serve as a traditional Guardsman crew chief first attending to the F-100 Super Sabers for a short time and then with the A-7 Corsair II. Chief Adducchio became a full-time crew chief in 1978. In 1993, he was appointed to be the aircraft mechanic supervisor flight chief.
Currently he is the component maintenance flight chief who oversees some of the major maintenance shop functions to include propulsion, electric, hydraulic, fuels, egress and avionics intermediate shops.
"He is deserving of such an award and recognition," said Ms. Beach. "His heart is definitely in the right place when it comes to our military. I look forward to working with him in the future and hopefully serving together on more Honor Flights."
The Lt. Henry Addison Beckley Award was established in 1982 in honor of Mr. Henry A. Beckley, a Springfield businessman, community leader, distinguished World War I combat aviator and leader in establishing what is now known as the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport.
The Beckley Award recognizes individuals who, like Mr. Beckley, have distinguished themselves in the service of their community, state and nation. Special emphasis is placed on achievement in aviation, community service and support of the military and military aviation. The recipient's name is inscribed and displayed on the Lt. Henry A. Beckley award plaque, which is permanently displayed in the General Aviation Terminal at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport. A separate, personal plaque is presented to the recipient.