28th Scott Citizen-Airman Announced

It is the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s honor to present the 2009 Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year Award – this year a Citizen-Airman – to Technical Sergeant Juan Colon.

Photo: TSgt. Juan Colon received the Scott Citizen-Airman of the Year Award from George Cargill, TriWest Healthcare Alliance and the Chamber's Vice-Chair.

TSgt. Colon has exemplary records in both his military and civilian roles. When not volunteering in the community, or working as an Air Force Reservist, he is busy at work for the Department of Homeland Security with the Camp Murray Police Department.

His activities and achievement as a community volunteer are truly exemplary, having provided over 1,580 hours of community service this past year alone. TSgt. Colon is a member of the 446th Airlift Wing where he serves as a mortuary specialist dedicated to bringing American combat casualties home with dignity and honor.

He is an active member of his church, the Knights of Columbus and numerous community programs. His focus, is youth. He teaches our high school youth about caring for those who cannot care for themselves, and provides meals for those who cannot provide these basic needs on their own.

When TSgt. Colon volunteers, it becomes a family activity and all the members of his family participate. Together, they are responsible for fundraisers, retreats, summer missions, Thanksgiving dinners, parent volunteer groups, religious programming and community donation center drives.

He has spent over 450 hours alone working in the community food bank. He also provided blankets to shelters and made numerous visits to the sick. That includes bringing groups of young people to the Washington Soldiers Home providing appreciation for America’s heroes.

George Cargill, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, sponsor of the award, said, “He is a consummate teacher of life lessons in our society. “

About Howard O. Scott Each year, the Citizen-Soldier Award memorializes Howard Scott who grew up in Tacoma and served the nation when called upon during World War II—as part of “America’s Greatest Generation”. He returned to succeed as a banker in Tacoma, giving of his time to community service organizations, believing and enjoying this in his belief that doing so is one's responsibility.