Misawa Sailor Earns Award for Volunteerism

Photo By Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel Sanford | Petty Officer 2nd Class Deric Ayala, information systems technician, center, is surrounded by the flag football team he coaches during his off time. Ayala was recently awarded as one of USO Japan's Service Members of the Year, largely because of his extensive volunteer work in the local Misawa Air Base community.  

MISAWA, AOMORI, JAPAN

10.14.2010

Story by Chief Petty Officer Daniel Sanford 

Naval Air Facility Misawa

NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, Japan – A Misawa Sailor’s commitment to helping the local base community was acknowledged recently by the United Service Organization

Petty Officer 2nd Class Deric Ayala, information systems technician, was honored for his volunteerism at USO Japan’s 3rd Annual Service Salute Gala, Sept. 24, at the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo.

Ayala, who is currently assigned to the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Far East Detachment, Misawa, was awarded as one of USO Japan’s Service Members of the Year.

Ayala performs a myriad of work among Misawa volunteer organizations. Notably, he serves as Navy Misawa’s Americans Against Drunk Driving Coordinator, President of the Hispanic Heritage Club “Unidos EN Misawa,” and coaches youth soccer and football on board the northern-Japanese air base.

Ayala also spent numerous hours tutoring students at Misawa’s Edgren High School and even contributed more than 20 man-hours toward base clean up and beautification projects.

Despite his prolific work throughout Misawa, Ayala said he was shocked to hear that he was even nominated for the award.

“I was pretty surprised to hear the news,” he said. “I do a lot of volunteer work, but I do it because it keeps me busy and I enjoy it.”

Originally from Kokomo, Ind., Ayala moved to Brownsville, Texas when he was 9-years-old. He said his formative years growing up in this impoverished area made him thankful for what he has now.

“The Navy has provided me with so much, I like to give back,” said Ayala, who is also the current NCTS Far East Detachment, Misawa Sailor of the Year.

A father of four children, ages 13, 11, 6 and 3, Ayala and his wife, Wendy, have been stationed at Misawa for well over two years.

"I like helping out in this community,” he said. “This base is my home and this community is like family.”

Ayala’s good work also seems to be rubbing off on his co-workers.

“His volunteer work speaks for itself and his unselfishness has inspired others at our command to volunteer more, including myself,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Harry Turnland, information systems technician, Ayala’s command leading petty officer. “From being a soccer coach, football coach, and even jumping on the field from time to time as a volunteer referee, he has led the charge at our command to volunteer. He is dedicated to making sure things happen.”

The annual Service Salute Gala pays special tribute to select service members of the Armed Forces and Japan Self-Defense Forces for their outstanding professionalism, leadership and service to their country. NCTS Far East Detachment, Misawa’s Leading Chief Petty Officer, Chief Information Systems Technician Bobby Martinez, said Ayala encompasses all three of these traits.

“Petty Officer Ayala is a proven performer in all respects, personally and professionally,” said Martinez. “His initiative, reliability and dedication to his job, his Sailors and his community set him apart from his peers.”

For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, visit https://www.cnic.navy.mil/misawa/index.htm or check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nafmisawa.

• Date Taken: 10.14.2010
• Date Posted: 10.14.2010 03:29
• Story ID: 58056
• Location: MISAWA, AOMORI, JP