KRIS GIANAKOS
67 , Meridian Retired Air Force , currently working at NAS Meridian teaching young fighter pilots the profession of arms .
Gianakos ’ nominator :
“ The guy is a champion board member because he actually WORKS and accomplishes things ( He calls himself the ‘ worker bee ’).”
Professional affiliations and offices held : Retired Officers Association & Air Force Association
Civic , social and church affiliations and offices : MUNA Federal Credit Union Board / Vice President ; Stage Two Youth Theater Board / President ; Any Given Child Committee Member ; Partners in Recovery Lauderdale County Rep , Meridian Museum of Art Advisory Member .
Spirit of altruism : Early in life I was taught in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to do a good turn daily
Importance of giving back to the community : Life is a balance , we gain education , safety , relationships and a pursuit of happiness from our communities . It ’ s only natural to give our energies and efforts to pass the these positive benefits to the next generation and the next .
An aspect of a volunteer experience really enjoyed : I ’ d have to say friendships gained and grown from sharing positive moments with like minded citizens … Pure joy !
Our community ’ s greatest asset : The undiscovered volunteers
Motto or favorite quote : Got two of them . ” Lead , Follow or get out of the Way ” because it puts the “ TEAM ” on the right track and moves the negatives out of the way .
The second one is in Latin and hung on Admiral Nimitz office wall in World War Two , “ Illegitimus Non Carborundum ” I can ’ t translate it because it ’ s not PC for this generation , but to paraphrase it , “ Don ’ t let the negatives grind you down .” This hung on the walls of my office while serving in the United States Air Force and was given me by my father .
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