TOP STORY >>Little Rock civic leader recognized with Fisher Award

By Maj. Ange Keskey
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — Air Mobility Command recently honored Philip Davis, Little Rock Air Force Base civic leader, as this year’s Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award recipient.

The annual award recognizes an individual or organization exemplifying Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher’s personal qualities of patriotism, generosity and selfless dedication to the members of the Armed Forces of the United States, through an outstanding humanitarian act or service; who selflessly contributes an extraordinary amount of time, talent, or resources to benefit members of the Armed Forces of the United States; and significantly enhances the quality of life of military members or their families through the act or service.

Mr. Davis said his efforts leading to the award were more of a personal “thank you” to service members.

“When my son, against my advice, joined the United States Marines, in February 2001, I increased my service to the Air Force family... then came 9/11, and it seemed only the right thing to do in being of more help than ever to our Air Force people,” said Mr. Davis. “A couple of months after the fall of Baghdad, I received a letter from my Marine who credited a timely re-supply of ammunition, delivered by an Air Force C-130, for saving his and several other Marines’ lives. The knowledge that an action by AMC saved my son caused me to work as much as I could, out of gratitude, for all who ‘wear the Blue.’”

Mr. Davis’ involvement with the base includes membership in the base’s community council, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, the C-130 and the base’s 50th Anniversary Air Show Gala Committee. He also is a Little Rock AFB Honorary Commander.

In addition to his committee work, this local businessman also focuses on helping families in need. He regularly supports Airmen by sending deployment care packages, preparing meals for family members of hospitalized Airmen, visiting hospitalized squadron members and opening his home to Airmen unable to be with family during holidays.

He said the true honor and privilege of being recognized with such an award is twofold.

“Perhaps other busy civilian businessmen and businesswomen will see that it is possible to actively contribute to the well-being of the squadrons and groups by accepting invitations to become honorary commanders,” said the Mr. Davis. “Further, they are able to take pride in knowing that whatever a civilian does to favorably assist the people of AMC and the Air Force, in general, is accepted by (Airmen) as a great value and with appreciation ... that is the payoff for involvement.”