A Mississippi Valley State University residence hall director has been tapped as “Airman of the Year” by his Air Force Reserves squadron, headquartered in Louisiana.
Michael Clark, 32, will represent the 307th Bomb Wing at the “Airman of the Year” 10th Air Force competition in Florida at the end of March.
A staff sergeant for the 307 Security Forces Squadron at Bossier City, Clark was chosen from a pool of 10 Air Force reservists for the performance-based award, according to a MVSU press release.
“Winning this award means a lot to me,” he said. “I am very happy and my unit is pleased. A lot of people have offered me congratulations.”
Clark, 32, came to Valley from Tchula in 2006 and played for the Delta Devils basketball team.
He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2010 and a master’s degree in criminal justice in 2012.
He said he decided to join the Air Force to experience change.
“Coming from a small town, the only thing I knew was basketball,” he said. “Sometimes you have to make a turn in life and, after getting a master’s degree, I decided to join the military.”
Joining the Air Force gave him an opportunity to see the world as well as a way to take care of his daughter, Jordan, he said.
Clark observed that being an athletic team member and participating in the military are similar experiences, with all team members working together to accomplish a goal.
He has served six years in the military and aims to stay in until he reaches 20 years and qualifies for retirement.
Clark is scheduled to receive a second master’s degree from Valley in May, this time in sports administration.
nContact Kathryn Eastburn at 581-7235 or keastburn@gwcommonwealth.com.
