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Award for Excellence in Service (AES)
In honor of
William L. “Buff” Crowell ll
The Award for Excellence in Service is dedicated to the memory of LCDR William “Buff” Crowell II, USN (Ret.), who passed away in April 2021. Buff’s legacy lives on through his lifelong commitment to the TACAMO Community, both as an active-duty Naval Officer and a defense contractor.
Throughout his distinguished career, Buff developed a profound respect and admiration for the Navy’s Chief Petty Officers, especially those within the TACAMO Community. His service, however, was not solely defined by titles, promotions, or awards. While naval careers are often marked by tangible achievements such as command, advancements, and degrees, Buff’s career was distinguished by his unwavering dedication to others, long after his retirement in 1994.
Although he departed active duty over two decades ago, Buff remained deeply involved with the TACAMO mission, continuing to give his heart and soul to the community. His greatest contribution was in keeping the TACAMO community connected—personally and professionally. For over twenty-seven years, Buff devoted countless hours to reaching out to Shipmates in the Wardroom, the Chiefs’ Mess, deck-plate Sailors, and, most importantly, their families.
Buff’s kindness was a constant presence. He sent thoughtful messages on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and the CPO’s Birthday. He sent congratulatory notes for promotions and advancements. Each message, whether an email, text, or letter, carried special meaning and a sincere personal touch. He showed up in meaningful ways—attending a widow’s son’s promotion ceremony or delivering gifts to spouses and children of Shipmates. Though many of his acts of kindness remain private, they are cherished memories for those who received them.
The purpose of the Award for Excellence in Service is to honor Buff’s enduring impact on the lives of so many. His positive nature, passion for the Navy, and dedication to Sailors inspired those around him to be their best. He motivated others to keep moving forward in the face of adversity, opened new paths for contributing to the community, and created lasting bonds between Shipmates.
Recipients of the Award for Excellence in Service embody the spirit of Buff Crowell. They are individuals who, through their community service, make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, just as Buff did.
AES Program
Annual Dates:
May 31: Applications Open
July 31: Applications Close
August 31: Awards are Announced
Apply for an Award, LINK
https://forms.gle/PgSx9HR6sci5AiKW9
Purpose
This award recognizes dependents of active-duty sailors who demonstrate a personal commitment to benefiting the local Oklahoma public or military community. The award celebrates Buff’s unsung contribution during his years of military and civilian service. When applying for this award think about how your project or service will follow in Buff’s footsteps. Will it make a memorable difference in other’s lives? How will your passion and effort impact the local community? Will your project or service inspire others to contribute to their local communities?
Recipients of Buff’s Award of Excellence in Service demonstrate Buff’s commitment of community service that makes a difference in others’ lives as well as their own.
Below are a few broad examples that might put the Award of Excellence in context:
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A spouse who wishes to start an after-school sports program on-base or off-base to encourage healthy, active lifestyles. (Example: Starting an after-school sports program, such as a cycling club, is a fantastic way to promote healthy, active lifestyles, especially in a community setting like a military base.)
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A spouse who develops a mentorship program that incorporates the values and behaviors of the military to help kids find their confidence and move forward in life. (Example: To inspire and empower at-risk youth through mentorship, utilizing the core values and behaviors learned from military training to help them build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills for a successful future.)
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A high school-age dependent who wishes to assist in coaching a youth sports team. She or he can bring not only their time to the activity but also the funding for equipment or facility rental. (Example: a high school-age student who wants to get involved in coaching or assisting with a youth sports team, and who also has the potential to support the team financially by contributing to equipment or facility costs.)
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A high school dependent who volunteers to coach disabled youth in the community and needs tuition to enroll & cover expenses to receive a certification coaching individuals or groups with disabilities. (Example: Is enrolling in educational certification program as an Adaptive Sports & Training Coach.
Examples
Personal Profile
William “Buff” Crowell was a distinguished Navy pilot whose service spanned decades and touched many lives. A proud and dedicated member of the U.S. Navy, he spent his career serving his country, his family, the TACAMO community, and his local community in countless ways.
Buff graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1980. He then attended Navy flight training in Pensacola, FL, and Corpus Christi, TX, where he earned his Wings of Gold. Following his flight training, he completed C-130 training in Little Rock, AR, and embarked on his illustrious career as a Navy pilot. I n 1982, he joined VQ-3, the "Ironman" squadron, where he flew the EC-130 aircraft in support of the TACAMO mission.
Over the course of his career, Buff held several important roles, including serving as a Navy Recruiter and later completing another TACAMO tour with VQ-4. His service culminated at the Naval Reserve unit at Andrews AFB, from where he retired in 2001 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Buff’s dedication to TACAMO extended beyond his military service. He continued to serve the community as a contractor, providing invaluable experience and guidance during the transition to the E-6 aircraft. His expertise played a critical role in ensuring the community's success during this significant change. Additionally, Buff was a founding member of the TACAMO Community Veterans Association (TCVA), an organization that has supported sailors and service members throughout the history of the TACAMO mission.
Buff’s legacy is also one of personal commitment. He was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched many lives through his kindness and service. Stories of his selfless acts of generosity and support emerged at his memorial and continue to resonate with those who knew him.
Buff passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2021, but his spirit and legacy live on through the Award of Excellence and Service, which will honor his unyielding commitment to others and his profound impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.
May his example of service, kindness, and humility continue to inspire future generations.
