309th CMXG employee wins design award for Team Hill spirit pin

  • Published
  • By Richard W. Essary
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Adrian Cronauer, the real-life Air Force sergeant and radio disc jockey who was played by actor Robin Williams in the 1987 film, "Good  Morning Vietnam," once said, "The American Flag represents all of us, and all of the values we hold sacred."

The quote is what inspired Phil Ludos, a security specialist with the 309th Commodities Maintenance Group, to design of the 2015 Hill Air Force Base Spirit Award Pin.

Each year, the base's Spirit Pin Award Committee solicits designs for a new spirit pin, which can be used by the base's leaders and employees to recognize others for their contributions to the team and to their country.

Howard Slocumb, a Human Resources Specialist with the base, said Ludos' winning pin design was chosen among 16 designs that were submitted for consideration this year.

Ludos was presented the first pin and a congratulatory certificate recently by Col. Ron Jolly, 75th Air Base Wing commander, at a Team Hill senior leader staff meeting.

"I'm glad I could represent my unit at Hill and looking back at past designs, there are obviously passionate and talented people here," Ludo said. "I was humbled (to have) my design picked."

As with other pins designed in previous years, Ludos said symbolism drove his pin design.

"Even though we are civilian strong here at Hill, we are serving the war fighter and there are numerous folks here who have served (in the military) and are serving right here on Hill," Ludos said.

"My first thoughts always go to selfless service and our sense of duty, and what better to represent that (in the pin) with an image of a troop saluting the back drop of our flag, which represents courage, and the blood shed to maintain justice and freedom for our land."

Ludos, a South Weber resident, has worked at Hill AFB for nearly a year and said winning the spirit pin award design has made him feel  more part of the Team Hill family.

"I'm thankful to be part of the Hill team, and look forward to meeting more of my fellow team members through events and contests such as this," Ludos said.

Ludos' advice to others who might submit a design for next year's competition: "Go with your passions and if you're a team player, then you are already halfway there, since everything we do (at Hill AFB) is part of a team event."

Slocum said entering the spirit pin design contest gives the Hill community the opportunity to show their patriotism and support not only to the mission, but also to the team.

"It is an opportunity to reflect what our consolidated mission means to the individual," Slocumb said.

The Spirit Pin Award Committee currently typically solicits pin design submissions annually from December to January. For more information, contact Slocumb at 801-775-5040.