The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber announced Tuesday its has presented the 2012 Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year Award to U.S. Air Force Reservist Staff Sergeant Ralph Godinez.

Godinez is responsible for generating orders for missions and pay for members of his 728th Airlift Squadron. He is currently on full-time orders with the 728th Airlift Squadron and is an employee of Comcast.

Godinez is also founder of Cafe dos Ninas, non-profit coffee retailer located in Graham that donates 100 percent of its proceeds to support families affected by Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, with bi-annual funds given to the Evergreen Healthcare Foundation. He also volunteers time in the Northwest Fellowship Children’s ministry, teaching classes and assisting during busy Sunday school classes; is the youth event coordinator at Northwest Fellowship, spending time planning and organizing events such as camping and hiking as well as trips for their youth volunteers at the Tacoma Rescue Mission; is an active member of the Pioneer Valley Elementary Parent Teacher Association, where he has volunteered to help third grade students strengthen their reading skills, finish required projects and complete placement exams; and is a soccer coach for the elementary school.

Each year, the Citizen-Soldier Award memorializes Howard Scott who grew up in Tacoma and served the nation when called upon during World War II — as part of “America’s Greatest Generation.” He returned to succeed as a banker in Tacoma, giving of his time to community service organizations, believing and enjoying this in his belief that doing so is one’s responsibility.