Jessica Mickus, a Senior Airman at McChord Air Force Base, is the recipient of the 2005 John H. Anderson Military Citizen of the Year Award, presented annually for the last 27 years by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber in recognition of outstanding contributions to the community made by service members who call Pierce County home.

“Senior Airman Mickus, as a volunteer, gives to the community through a number of organizations,” said George Cargill, Northwest market vice-president for TriWest HealthCare Alliance, sponsor of the award.

Like John H. Anderson, a mayor of Tacoma during the 1950s, Mickus’ long list of projects demonstrates the special commitment to community improvement that the award is meant to highlight.

Cargill noted that Mickus serves as a Big Sister to a 12-year-girl, whose mother is imprisoned, through the CHIPP (children with incarcerated parents) program. She also volunteers with the Girl Scouts of America program “Girl Scouts Beyond Bars” developing and mentoring 32 girls whose mothers are incarcerated.

Additionally, Mickus has lent her energy and talents to helping Habitat for Humanity and the Spanaway Fish Food Bank, where she has unloaded more than 14,000 pounds of food. Included among Mickus’ other efforts to improve our community are involvement with the annual Easter egg hunt put on by the Heartwood Elementary School PTA, raising $12,000 for the March of Dimes “Walk America” fundraiser, and assisting with Special Olympics programs at McChord and Fort Lewis. She also volunteered to provide security and parking services at the Tall Ships Tacoma Festival and at the Freedom Fair.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber applauds Senior Airman Mickus’ outstanding involvement in our community and her repeatedly demonstrated desire to give her talents and time to improving other peoples’ lives.

John H. Anderson served as Tacoma’s mayor in the early to mid 1950s. He is also a past Chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Board of Directors, as well as a successful local businessman.