Business leader receives SECAF award

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ashley Conner
  • PACAF Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  A local Honolulu civic leader discussed today his recent Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award given during a ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., Feb. 4.

Dave Carey, president and chief executive officer of Outrigger Enterprises Group, received the highest honorary civilian award the Secretary of the Air Force may grant to a private citizen for his support of Airmen and their families.

"Receiving this award was a real honor and totally unexpected," said Mr. Carey. "[Being involved with the military] is something I feel is important and would do even without the recognition."

Mr. Carey is a member of the Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program which is comprised of two civic representatives from nearly every major command, National Guard Bureau and Headquarters Air Force. Each member serves a three-year term with the program.

As a member of the program, Mr. Carey has the opportunity to provide ideas and feedback to the secretary, chief of staff, and other Air Force senior leaders about the public attitudes toward the Air Force and how best the military and the community can work together to achieve their respective goals.

"Being a part of this program has been a great intellectual experience -- to learn about the Air Force and bigger military issues and how they fit into the larger national picture." said Carey.

Carey became an Emeritus member of the Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program but continues to serve as an advocate for Airmen and families within the community.

"I just want to thank Hawaii's military for that they do," he said. "If there is ever anything the civilian community can do, please let us know."