Great Northwest Community Improvement Association, Inc.

A Hero In Our Midst

Sep 26, 2003

A HERO IN OUR MIDST

Sometimes in the life of a person a pivotal moment may come when a person must respond to the unknown. Hopefully we will draw on our training and the integrity we were raised with. For the purpose of this short article, I will tell you a little about a member of our Community and staff and the king of man he is.

For thirty years, he served our country in the U.S. Army. He proudly served our country in Vietnam. He attained the highest rank of Command Sergeant Major during his thirty years of service. During those years he gave freely sacrificed his blood, sweat and tears. Our country recognized his efforts with the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendations and two Army Achievement Medals, along with many other medals and service awards. These medal and recognitions only show that this individual served his country above what was asked of him.

At approximately 9:10 pm, September 4, 2003 this Staff member came upon a situation where he saw a San Antonio Police officer?’s life was threatened. We often ask ourselves what would we do if we found ourselves in a similar situation. For this person there was no question of what to do. He did what he has always done, showed bravery and came to the aid of the officer.

Last night Kathy Smith, Community Manager, and I were honored to be at the same table in which this individual as our coworker waited to receive the ?“Service to Law Enforcement by an individual?”. The San Antonio Police Officer?’s Association at their 13th annual awards banquet gave this award. Below is what was read by KENS 5 TV, Bill Taylor who was the Master of Ceremonies,

?“While answering a call, a San Antonio police officer was attacked and overpowered by an unknown assailant who was trying to take his weapon. When security guard and retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Pinkey Clinkscales came upon the scene, he pulled the man off the officer and helped secure the assailant.

While police don?’t normally encourage public citizens to physically involve themselves in the arrest process, Sergeant Major Pinkey Clinkscales alertness and quick reaction in this case may have saved the life of the police officer, and for that we are very grateful.

For service to Law Enforcement, we recognize Sergeant Major Pinkey Clinkscales.?”

If you didn?’t know, Officer Clinkscales is a Security Officer with the Great Northwest Community. Yes, I must say how proud I am to have the privilege to work with an individual of this caliber. The above title for this article, ?“A hero in our midst?”, describes Pinkey perfectly.

If you have the opportunity to I hope you all congratulate Officer Clinkscales on his award. It is well deserved. We are proud that he is a member of our team!