Chamber Selects 31st Citizen-Airman

It is the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s honor to present the 2012 Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year Award – this year to an U.S. Air Force Reservist – to a Citizen-Airman. The award is sponsored by TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

Staff Sergeant Ralph Godinez is responsible for generating orders for missions and pay for members of his 728th Airlift Squadron, 446th AW, JBLM-McChord Field. 

Col. Bruce Bowers, CO, 446th AW, SSgt. Godinez, Mrs. Amy Godinez.

SSgt. Godinez is currently on full time orders with the 728th Airlift Sqdn., and is an employee of Comcast Cable.

SSgt. Godinez founded Café dos Ninas, an eight (8)-years running not-for profit coffee retailer located in Graham.100% of the proceeds go to support families affected by Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, with bi-annual funds given to the Evergreen Healthcare Foundation.  Over $20,000 has been donated since its inception.

SSgt. Godinez’s service does not end there.

Additionally:

• He volunteers time in the Northwest Fellowship Children’s ministry, teaching classes and assisting during busy Sunday school classes.  And, since he’s on their drama team, the 728th Airlift Squadron found he makes an excellent Elvis Santa during their gift exchange.
• He is also the youth event coordinator at Northwest Fellowship, spending time planning and organizing events such as camping and hiking as well as trips for their youth volunteers at the Tacoma Rescue Mission.
• He is an active member of the Pioneer Valley Elementary Parent Teacher Association, he has volunteered for the past seven (7) years in the 3rd Grade classroom, helping students strengthen their reading skills, finishing required projects and completing placement exams.
• He is also a soccer coach for the school, teaching the young players the fundamentals of teamwork and an active lifestyle through sport.

SSgt. Godinez’s compassion, commitment and community impact in Pierce County and beyond makes him deserving of the Citizen-Soldier of the Year Award!

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.