JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
The Mission and Installation Contracting Command audit compliance officer from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston was named volunteer of the year for 2019 by DreamWeek during a ceremony Jan. 17 in San Antonio.
Dr. Betty Harris received the award in recognition of volunteering more than 100 hours in support of the event during the past five years.
DreamWeek is a multi-day annual summit and celebration embracing ideas and dreams espoused by the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for the common good. The summit encompasses a series of events designed to celebrate humanity by creating healthy environments for civil and civic engagements.
"I was surprised, yet honored," Harris said. "I am a behind-the-scenes type person. I do the work needed to make the events successful and quietly leave. My father volunteered in the community after retiring from the Air Force. Watching him ring the Salvation Army bell and assist in other ways led me to emulate his public service."
Harris became involved with the event after a neighbor invited her to the volunteer opportunity.
"I have met individuals from all walks of life over the past five years," she said. "My favorite volunteer experiences include serving a five-course meal, in a family like atmosphere, as the chef freshly prepared each dish. I also enjoy the mayor's ball. It showcases local talent, children and adults from the local community and affords me the opportunity to meet DreamWeek partners."
She added the energy and excitement from participants at the event keeps her active with the annual event.
"The work is very rewarding. I have watched DreamWeek grow annually with people from diverse backgrounds coming together and become empowered to seek an understanding of what's required for peaceful coexistence," Harris said. "Volunteering with the organization has also afforded me the opportunity to meet a vast array of people and introduced me to places I didn't know existed in San Antonio."