Major wins AMC Spirit of Hope award Published Feb. 26, 2007 POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Maj. Erik Lagerquist is a true military and community leader. Despite personal medical challenges and an increased workload as the acting 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron commander, his dedication to Pope and its people never faltered. He volunteered countless hours to local family programs, provided key leadership to base morale events and took advantage of opportunities in the community to educate the youth of tomorrow. "I am proud and honored to nominate Major Lagerquist for the 2007 Spirit of Hope Award," said Col. Timothy Zadalis, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander. "He has made outstanding contributions to our nation as both a military and a community leader. His selfless dedication, commitment and loyalty to the families of Pope are exceptional. His integrity and honor is unwavering and an example to his peers, subordinates and superior alike. He is truly deserving of the honor." This year, without hesitation, Major Lagerquist selflessly dedicated his time to help his fellow Airmen while undergoing multiple radiation treatments and eventually a full recovery from cancer. In fact Major Lagerquist, or "Q" as he's known in the community, never missed a single day of work and never once complained about his health. He continued to epitomize the Air Force core value of "Service Before Self" by selflessly volunteering his precious, off-duty free time to ensure the success of numerous community events to include Super Bowl Bingo, Spouse's Night Out, local ROTC visits and other community relations functions, according to Colonel Zadalis's award package. Pope knows who to call when commitment and dedication are needed. From volunteering for events on base to fixing leaky toilets, Major "Q" is committed to Pope's Airmen and their families. As Pope's go-to-guy, it is not uncommon to see him spending his weekend handling any number of the 2,000 annual civil engineering work orders. Sometimes he's fixing a broken air conditioner or helping to trim overgrown trees or uncut lawns for neighbors with deployed spouses. A true community leader and role model, he continuously sacrifices of his own free time to make Pope a wonderful place to live and work. Major "Q" never hesitates to accept an opportunity to participate in base events or help others. He graciously accepted the duty as master of ceremonies during Pope's annual Super Bowl Bingo event which brought in a record $100,000 in revenue. His dynamic personality, charm, wit and overall knowledge of the National Football League teams contributed greatly to the overall entertainment and enjoyment of the more than 300 patrons participating in the evening's Bingo games and signed memorabilia auction. Major "Q" also wowed the crowd with his warm personality and charisma as the emcee for the annual Spouse's Night Out. His leadership ensured a successful event and provided critical support to the 80 spouses and 14 businesses in attendance. Whether he's participating on the Pope Club advisory committee, acting as a key worker for the Combined Federal Campaign, mentoring college students, volunteering at local elementary schools or just talking with young Airmen around base, Major "Q" is a role model who epitomizes strength of character, loyalty, commitment and honor. Major "Q" is a driving force as the vice president of the 2006 Air Force Award winning Gryphon Chapter of the Air Force Cadet Officer Mentor Action Program - a professional development organization which meets monthly and conducts mentor visits to local colleges and universities. A dynamic organizer, he coordinates the monthly luncheons and arranges for guest speakers to visit and make presentations on topics of timely importance to the officers of Pope. As a trusted mentor, he organized and led a group of his peers on two day-long field trips to both Duke University in Raleigh and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to advise and motivate over 200 cadets interested in future Air Force careers. His selfless dedication to local youth showcases the great pride he has for the Air Force, military and our country. Like Bob Hope, Major Lagerquist's commitment to excellence, government service and moral leadership has made a profound impact on the people of Pope. His unwavering self-sacrifice, courage and dedication to his fellow Airmen, especially during his own personal struggle, make him a true community hero. He triumphed over cancer and inspired our community; he is the clear choice for the 2007 Spirit of Hope Award. (Courtesy of the 43rd Airlift Wing)