SK1 Robert Lipscomb

Storekeeper 1st Class Robert S. Lipscomb was selected to be the first ever full-time support storekeeper for the Blue Angels squadron, a selection that recognized what supervisors and shipmates agreed was his outstanding service at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Pa.

"His professionalism, concern for subordinates and commitment to the community are, simply stated, unmatched," wrote one supervisor.

Lipscomb's accomplishments were extensive: "He just does not stop!" one shipmate wrote. In addition to supporting more than 1,100 reservists at Willow Grove and managing a $1.73 million budget, Lipscomb coordinated anti-drug abuse lectures at Philadelphia-area schools.

Supervisors with his current unit praised Lipscomb's versatility. "In addition to his storekeeping duties, he must perform functions that are outside of his rate, such as servicing the Blue Angels aircraft by fueling them for shows or practices and helping ... to maintain the aircraft," one officer wrote. "He is a role model for other sailors to look up to and emulate."

A chief put it another way: "He has the energy and drive of a herd of stampeding cattle."