JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Three members of the 12th Flying Training Wing were honored for their volunteer work around Randolph and the surrounding community, April 20 at Randolph's Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony.
In addition to Alfredo Alvarez, Ed Pickrel, and Cynthia Webber, each receiving the Lifetime Air Force Volunteer Excellence Award, the wing also received a certificate of appreciation for having contributed nearly 5,500 volunteer hours to the local community.
Alvarez, 12th Flying Training Wing Maintenance Directorate, cites his faith as his reason for volunteering.
"I give people what God has graciously given me," said Alvarez who has volunteered in the local area for more than 15 years at various organizations including San Antonio Ministries Shelters, Villa Serena Veterans Rehabilitation Center, North East Methodist Hospital Hospice Program and the Justice Correctional Facility in San Antonio Bexar County Jail.
Throughout his work he has guided and supported children or parents on self-help programs for addiction to drugs and alcohol; helped veterans choose the best option for their medical needs; assisted cancer patients in coping with the disease; and provided care and counseling to incarcerated individuals.
Pickrel, 558th Flying Training Squadron, has been volunteering in the local area for the last 12 years, spending nearly 200 hours in 2011 alone in an effort to make positive impacts on people in the community.
"It is better to give than receive," said Pickrel, who also notes his faith plays a role in his volunteer work. "Helping others gives us a tremendous sense of satisfaction. The best thing about volunteering is working with other volunteers, feeding off their energy and spirit."
His work includes leading Bible studies, and working with multiple programs at the Randolph Chapel, including the Men's Retreat and the Good Samaritan program which helps widows, elderly and other needy church members with home repairs and lawn maintenance. He also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity.
"I support Habitat for Humanity because it helps people get a home that ordinarily could not afford one," he said. "Although it is a low cost home, it is not a gift as the families must go through a detailed approval process and have to spend several hundred hours working on their or someone else's home. Many times we get to work alongside the homeowners."
Webber, 12th Operations Support Squadron, has volunteered her time in the local area since before 1996 with various on and off base organizations.
"When I see that someone or an organization needs help and I get a request for volunteers, I'm happy to assist if I'm available," said Webber. "I was blessed to grow up with a very caring family where my parents set an excellent example, showing me and my eight siblings that if you can do something to help somebody, then do it."
She volunteers at Randolph Schools, Habitat for Humanity, hosted a Foreign Exchange Student from Belgrade for a year and serves as a Key Spouse for the 12th OSS.
She also works with the Texas Special Olympics, cheering on participants and photographing them with their awards.
"I volunteer with the Special Olympics because I want the events to continue because children, and especially those with special needs have to have a place to go and enjoy themselves, and know that the people helping care about them," said Webber.
"It's one of my favorite things to see someone at Special Olympics hitting a few bowling pins and run back to me to get a high five."