JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Recognizing the efforts of individuals and groups who have dedicated countless hours helping members of the military community, Joint Base San Antonio held its annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony April 26 at the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Military & Family Readiness Center.
JBSA members were honored for their voluntary work in 2016, by helping at various organizations that support and assist active-duty members, military families, retirees, government civilians and youth.
Attending the ceremony and presenting awards were Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle, 502nd Air Base Wing and JBSA commander; Rear Adm. Rebecca McCormick-Boyle, Navy Medicine Education, Training and Logistics Command commander; and Robert Naething, deputy to the commanding general, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army).
Awards were presented in six categories to JBSA members including Individual Volunteer of the Year, Tech Sgt. Mary Jane Mars, JBSA Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program; Volunteer Youth of the Year, Regina Gould, JBSA-Randolph Air Force Base Chapel; Family Volunteer of the Year, the Thomas Family, JBSA-Lackland Defense Language Institute; Small Group Volunteer of the Year, Brooke Army Medical Center Fisher House volunteers; Large Group Volunteer of the Year, JBSA Youth Sports; and the Volunteer Excellence Award to four individuals; Eleanor Sprowl, Craig Arnold, Virginia Stout and Doug Opersteny.
A total of 94 nominations covering all six award categories were submitted from JBSA members.
In addition, 77 active-duty members were recognized for earning the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and 69 individuals the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Pringle said JBSA members put in 508,000 volunteer hours in 2016, five times more than the hours volunteered in 2015.
“This was truly a special day,” Pringle said. “It’s great to see so many individuals out here. You guys absolutely amaze me. Keep up the great work. I can’t wait to see what you do in 2017.”
In addition, the monetary value of volunteer hours put in by JBSA members totaled $11.9 million last year.
McCormick-Boyle said it is volunteers who help to build, nourish and sustain vibrant, happy and productive communities.
“I believe it is that group of selfless individuals who give up their time, their efforts and their skills to strengthen the community and to assist others,” McCormick-Boyle said.
The Volunteer of the Year Awards ceremony was held during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 23-29, which recognizes individuals in both the U.S. and Canada who give their time volunteering for several causes.