Navy Selects FRCSW Sailor for Spirit of Hope Award

NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (NNS) -- A Navy Chief from Fleet Readiness Center Southwest was selected Aug 21. as the winner 2007 Spirit of Hope Award in recognition to his relentless service to the military and civilian community in the area.

Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Giovanni Balingit will receive the award and be joined by nominees from the other branches of the Defense Department in ceremonies October 28 at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Established in 1997 by The Bob Hope Family Foundation, the award recognizes one member of the Navy who not only captures the values and integrity of the service, but who also exemplifies the patriotism and dedication to the armed forces so characteristic of the late comedian.

Balingit, a native of Angeles City, Philippines, is currently the FRCSW Support Equipment (SE) Rework Leading Chief Petty Officer.

FRCSW is the Navy's premier West Coast aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility specializing in Navy and Marine Corps aircraft and related systems.

In his nomination letter, FRCSW Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Kelly cited Balingit's leadership and motivational skills.

"His leadership by example and motivation given to FRCSW Sailors generated 257 volunteers who provided 1,395 hours of service to different communities throughout San Diego in 2007," wrote Capt. Kelly.

"Chief Balingit's sustained superior performance and the countless community service hours he has dedicated throughout his entire Navy career have significantly contributed to Sailor quality of life, increased mission readiness and the overall success of our command and the nation," Kelly wrote.

Since 2005, the Navy has nominated one of its members for the Spirit of Hope Award.

Balingit will receive the award and be joined by nominees from the other branches of the Defense Department in ceremonies October 28 at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Southwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrsw/.