Altus Airman nominated for DoD annual award Published April 28, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Airman 1st Class Forrest Arndt, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron, is nominated to represent Air Education and Training Command for the 2009 Department of Defense Military Firefighter of the Year Award. The annual award recognizes an individual military firefighter (active duty or Reservist) for superior job performance and outstanding contributions to the fire service, with specific focus for on-duty related contributions to fire and emergency services programs. "I credit the award to having good supervisors, like Staff Sgt. Gilbert Sanchez, who dutifully lead the fire department with great passion and charisma," Airman Forrest said. "My supervisors have set me up for success by letting me know exactly what I need to do to get off to a good start in my Air Force career." Airman Arndt was the Airman of the Year from the 97th CES and Airman of the Quarter for the 97th Air Mobility Wing. As a responder, he's saved the life of an unresponsive infant, stabilized a suicide attempt victim, and treated injuries from a domestic disturbance, a diabetic emergency and a motor vehicle accident. Airman Arndt earned six Community College of the Air Force credits through the College Level Examination Program in his pursuit of a Masters of Business Administration. He also earned a 91 percent average for all Career Development Course volumes and was upgraded to his 5-skill level. He carries a 4.0 grade point average at North Central University. Airman Arndt is the Fire Department's representative for the Booster Club, and raised $500 for morale purposes. He also volunteered with the Armed Services Young Men's Christian Association luncheon and the firefighter combat challenge. He served as announcer for two "Final Alarm" ceremonies, paying respect to fallen and honorary firefighters. "As a worker I am motivated by the work ethics of my dad and grandpa," Airman Arndt said. "Their blue-collar example instilled in me the importance of working hard and doing the job right." "To others who want the same recognition, I propose making life easy for your supervisors by not getting into trouble and doing things before you are told to do so," Airman Arndt said. "I would like for people to know that the Air Force is a good place to be and it recognizes and awards its workers." Airman Arndt will go on to compete at the Air Force level and then to the DoD Fire and Emergency Services level.