FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
For the past five years, while assigned to the 221st Military Police Detachment, Sgt. Matthew Stoner has faithfully served his country, but also dedicated his time within the community as a volunteer. Stoner has worked countless hours rendering aid, performing special services and sowing charitable seeds back into the community.
As a result of his commitment to community service and volunteerism, he was awarded the Military Citizen of the Year Award by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board during a ceremony Sept. 28 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg.
"This came as a surprise to me as this year's Army selectee. I'm a product of both the military and the local community where I serve," said Stoner. "Serving our country doesn't just end on a deployment or federal level, we should be committed to serving the community as well."
Each year, the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board names one outstanding and deserving representative from each branch of the military. In addition, Stoner was also awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.
"I'm very proud of Sergeant Stoner. He is a Soldier who always goes above and beyond. He has a really big heart and continues to give back to the community," said Capt. Samuel Arnett, 221st MP Det. commander.
"It's always important when it comes to strengthening the bond between the Military Police and its community. I'm just proud, especially for everything that he has done for the community."
The military community has a long and proud tradition of volunteer service. Since 1993, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal recognizes those members of the military who perform substantial volunteer service to the local community above and beyond the duties required as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.
"Sergeant Stoner is a deserving Soldier and this type of individual should be recognized," Arnett added. "As leaders, we are supposed to look for ways to acknowledge the hard work and efforts of our Soldiers for what they do, not only in the military, but also in the community, and that's what this award is all about."
Stoner has volunteered for a myriad of activities and special events both on and off post.
"This is my first military volunteer award, actually I didn't know I was receiving this one until the day it was pinned on," he said. "I wasn't keeping track of anything, I was just volunteering and having a good time."
Stoner said he hopes his efforts set more examples throughout the command.
"If it's just 30 minutes to an hour of your time, to go over to a school and read to children, visit a shelter for battered women or other community-related activities, your volunteering can positively affect an individual's life greatly," he said.
According to Stoner, it's all about changing lives and inspiring people in need, but most importantly, leading by example and encouraging others to volunteer.
"Whether it's at a school, for a single parent, a child or neighborhood, I think volunteerism plays an important role in the community when it comes to our military service."
Later this year, Stoner will be medically retired. However, he will continue his service to the community as a volunteer.