“America the Beautiful” essay winner at Fairchild Published Nov. 5, 2012 By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A 92nd Maintenance Squadron family member here was one of 25 winners in the 16th annual Air Force Club Membership Scholarship Program essay contest. "It's nice to see my thoughts stand out above others," said Kelli Goode, daughter of Maj. Sean Goode, 92nd MXS commander. Currently a University of Oklahoma accounting student in her second year, Goode competed against more than 100 whom submitted essays describing the meaning of the lyrics to "America the Beautiful." Winners received a scholarship totaling $1,000 to employ as they'd like. Goode decided she'd use it to further her education. She said her mom saw the opportunity in the base newspaper and suggested submitting for it. Her parents have always had a huge influence in her life and this was no different, Goode added. "My parents have had a significant impact on my life," she said. "Being a military child, I've seen all different perspectives on life influencing my strong sense of patriotism." Her father said she's always improving, no matter whether academically or professionally. He said she learned about this scholarship and wrote it while they were living in the temporary lodging facilities after just arriving at Fairchild this past summer. She had a lot going on, but took the time to walk back and forth to the base library researching the song for her package, the major said. "We taught Kelli to do her best, no matter how busy she is," he said. "She learned to treat academics and applying for scholarships like a job while building a strong work ethic -- so it's no surprise to me she's done so well." Community involvement, school extra-curricular activities and steady job performance are also factors usually considered in the application process and certainly helped her to do well, the major said. "I am thankful to the Air Force in general," Goode said. "I'm thankful for all the experiences I've had in life -- it's truly amazing to be able to do everything I've done." [Editor's note: CLICK HERE to read Goode's essay explaining what the words of the song, "America the Beautiful," means to her.]