Cannon civilian wins "people" award Published May 19, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Elliott Sprehe 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Winning any award at the Air Force level is an accomplishment on its own, but when the purpose of the award is to recognize the biggest impact someone had on an individual, it puts a more human face on a simple recognition. Cannon was privileged enough to have someone here, James Laquerre, 27th Special Operations Services Squadron deputy commander, win such an award named the Dr. Beverly Schmalzried Services Award. Mr. Laquerre received the honor after a part-time employee with the 27th SOSVS was diagnosed with several cancerous tumors that required him to undergo chemotherapy and, eventually, operations. A member of the Elks Lodge #1244, Mr. Laquerre organized a spaghetti dinner to raise funds to assist the family with hospital fees. "It's an opportunity, when you see a person in need, to get involved to try and make a difference in those peoples' lives," said Mr. Laquerre. "He (Mr. Laquerre) takes such a personal interest in each and every person," said Senior Master Sgt. Patrick Fry, 27th SOSVS. "The award he received is different from most in the Air Force. It's not about what a person has done over the year, it's about what influence an individual has on another individual." The spaghetti dinner Mr. Laquerre orchestrated raised more than $2,000 along with an additional $1,000 presented to the family from the Elks Lodge, but Mr. Laquerre was not content. "The Elks have a thing called the C&B Trust," said Mr. Laquerre. "It's where families can apply for financial support when in need. I helped him get the application and fill it out. After we turned it in, he received another $1,000." Though the Dr. Beverly Schmalzried Services Award was presented to Mr. Laquerre, he admits that all the financial assistance presented to the family couldn't have been done without the help of others. "The Elks Lodge and the (27th SOSVS) helped out. It was a team effort," said Mr. Laquerre. "Character plays an important role in all of us," said Sergeant Fry. "Mr. Laquerre does his job exceptionally well, and what he did goes above and beyond."