JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
To recognize volunteers for their selfless service to the community, Fort Eustis Army Community Service hosted a Volunteer Recognition and Awards ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Dec. 8, 2020.
In 2019, Fort Eustis volunteers contributed 70,881 hours, which is equivalent to $1,750,054.59, and represents the value of their work and commitment within the community, according to Roger Bullis, Army Community Service volunteer coordinator.
“We certainly want people to understand the impact that they’re having on the community and Fort Eustis,” said Bullis. “We continue to promote volunteering for people who are wanting to volunteer. We want to make sure they know how to contact us and we can certainly help them with opportunities but, most importantly, we’re always excited to honor them and recognize them for their contributions.”
In addition to the David E. Minor Volunteer of the Year, awarded to Brandie Buckner, the Commander’s Gold Award for Community Service was presented to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy for providing outstanding support to the military through community service projects.
During his remarks, U.S. Army Col. Chesley Thigpen, 733rd Mission Support Group commander, spoke about the limits placed on what can be accomplished in the current environment, and he highlighted the unlimited spirit of volunteers and the contributions they make to the installation.
“We hear a lot of talk about random acts of kindness; well, the acts of kindness our volunteers perform each and every day, they are not random” said Thigpen. “I would say they are definitely deliberate, intentional and well thought out-the ultimate gift to our community is your service Volunteers are worth more than their weight in gold. They share their time and talents without compensation, so it is crucial that we acknowledge their contributions and let them know that they are valued.”
The volunteer program is open to service members, family members, youth, military retirees and civilians assigned to Fort Eustis or who are supporting the installation and local community.
Volunteer award winners and categories are listed below.
David E. Minor Volunteer of the Year – Brandie Buckner
Youth Volunteer of the Year – Kendall Bryant
Family Volunteer of the Year – The Masteller Family (Sgt. 1st Class Bruce, Rochelle, Lillian)
Retiree Volunteer of the Year – Sgt. 1st Class (Retired) Danny Weatherly
Civilian Volunteer of the Year – Ismariela Marrero
Community Link Volunteer of the Year – Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Walton
Service Member Volunteer of the Year – Staff Sgt. Garry Archibald
Family Member Volunteer of the Year – Kaylee Tackett
Commander’s Gold Award – 128th Aviation Brigade NCO Academy
For more information, prospective volunteers can call ACS at (757) 851-3654 or email eustis.acs@gmail.com