JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Service members, families, civilians, retirees and youths were recognized for their commitment to service in a Volunteer Recognition and Award Ceremony April 12 at JBLE-Eustis and April 19 at JBLE-Langley.
Volunteerism is a tool for Airmen and Soldiers to bridge the gap between the local community and the installation it supports.
“It’s an honor to celebrate our incredible volunteers,” said Shannon George, Fort Eustis Volunteer Recognition and Award Ceremony guest speaker. “Time is a precious gift, it is the best gift you can give.”
Volunteers identify a problem, evaluate the circumstance at hand and work toward a solution, said Xavi Slocum, Langley Volunteer Recognition and Award Ceremony guest speaker. When an individual decides to help those in need, they are choosing to give up their time to benefit the community.
Volunteerism is key for the betterment of installations and their surrounding communities.
“All you have to do is be available, willing and have a heart to serve,” George noted. “Little things make a difference because they build on each other.”
The combined total volunteer hours performed by members of JBLE equated to approximately $2,917,482.50.
“I look into the crowd and see the large amount of volunteers here and the money saved is amazing,” George said with a smile.
Ceremonies such as these are used to showcase the impact volunteering contributes to the mission.
“You don’t have to be superhero to make a difference, you don’t have to have accolades to make a difference, you don’t have to be perfect to serve people,” George concluded. “You have to be yourself and have a heart and a passion to serve.”
Below is a list of the award winners.
Award winners for JBLE-Langley:
Commander’s Gold Award for Community Service: Air Combat Command, Inspector General, Logistics Readiness Section
Youth Volunteer of the Year: Madison Bennett
Family Member Volunteer of the Year: Taryn Huse
Single Airman Volunteer of the Year: Airman 1st Class Shayekh Rana
Service Member Volunteer of the Year: Staff Sgt. Patrick Sims
Civilian Volunteer of the Year: Terence Spann
Retiree Volunteer of the Year: Rodney Venables
Volunteer Family of the Year: The Rehak Family
Volunteer Excellence Award: Donna Craft, Christopher Watkins, Lynne Mills
Award winners for JBLE-Eustis:
Commander’s Gold Award for Community Service: Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy (NCOA)
Youth Volunteer of the Year: Brooke Mastel
Family Member Volunteer of the Year: Mary Ward
Single Soldier Volunteer of the Year: Spc. Tommy Ngo
Service Member Volunteer of the Year: Sgt. 1st Class Roberto Flores
Civilian Volunteer of the Year: Daniel Mendez
Retiree Volunteer of the Year: Chief Master Sgt. (Ret) Gary Robie
Volunteer Family of the Year: The Burney Family
Baylon Community Link Volunteer of the Year: Capt. Kiara Reed
David E. Minor Volunteer of the Year: Danielle Wyatt