GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Goodfellow hosted a volunteer recognition and awards event at the base theater June 1, to celebrate the community service base members have provided over the past year.
During the event Col. Kimberlee P. Joos, 17th Training Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. JoAnne S. Bass, 17th TRW Command Chief, presented individuals with the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Volunteer Excellence Award.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is given to individuals, families and groups that have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service and civic participation over the course of a year. The Volunteer Excellence Award recognizes federal civilian employees, family members, and federal civilian and military retirees who perform outstanding volunteer community service of a sustained, direct and consequential nature.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of a community, putting service before self,” said Kathleen N. Garrett, 17th Force Support Squadron Volunteer Program manager. “Volunteering brings joy to others and provides services to individuals and groups that otherwise would have to do without, but the volunteer and military services get so much in return. Volunteering enhances one’s self image and personal growth, provides a strong mentoring example, increase’s one’s value and value to the community and country, develops strong bonds, builds resiliency, speaks to the spiritual and adds fulfillment to the journey.”
After the individual awards, the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce presented Col. Joos with the Waders Award, a pair of waders the chamber bought during the annual drag boat race Showdown in San Angelo, to keep military and civilian volunteers warm in the water. The 17th FSS also presented Col. Joos with a symbolic check for $844,946.25 which represented the amount the community saved from Goodfellow’s 40,525 volunteer hours.
“You all inspire me every single day with everything you do,” said Col. Joos. “The folks in this room, you get what a rush it is to give of yourself for others. Go out and find that person who hasn’t figured it out yet, and get them here next year, get them involved.”
Individuals who received awards were:
President’s Volunteer Service Award Bronze medal, 100 to 249 volunteer hours:
Sgt. 1st Class Robyn Moore, 344th Military Intelligence Battalion
Sgt. 1st Class Eric Murray, 344th MI BN
Sgt. Paul Street, 344th MI BN
President’s Volunteer Service Award Silver medal, 250 to 499 volunteer hours:
Joseph Dube, 316th Training Squadron
President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold medal, 500 or more volunteer hours:
Robert Prince, U.S. Air Force Veteran
Amy Prince, 17th FSS
Emily Prince, Goodfellow youth
Ryan Prince, Goodfellow youth
Debra Scougall, 17th FSS
Volunteer Excellence Award:
Marylene Harness, 17th Medical Support Squadron
Evelyn Hutcherson, 17th Security Forces Squadron
Amber Mantel, 17th Training Wing
Emilee Davis, 314th Training Squadron