Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall volunteers lauded

By Rhonda Apple, Pentagram Staff WriterApril 29, 2013

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall volunteers lauded
Volunteers are recognized during the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall volunteer recognition ceremony in Spates Community Club April 23, 2013. Commanding General Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington Maj. G... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - In honor of National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, which coincided with Army Volunteer Week, a volunteer recognition ceremony was held at Spates Community Club on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 23 to recognize the accomplishments of volunteers on the installation.

"This year's Army theme, Volunteers - Strengthening a Nation, captures the meaning of this signature week, paying tribute to our dedicated Army volunteer corps and informing the community of the importance of volunteerism in Army programs and services," said JBM-HH Commander Col. Fern O. Sumpter. "National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It's about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

"...Many of our installation organizations could not function without all the hours of volunteer work from our dedicated military spouses, service members, civilians, retirees and military kids. They do it all," she said.

Commander Joint Force Head-quarters-National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington, Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, joined Sumpter in handing out letters of appreciation to those honored during the event. Sumpter said the individuals recognized "generously donated more than 100,000 hours and whose service experience ranges from one to 65 years."

The following organizations were recognized: The American Red Cross; Arlington County Chapter at Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic; The Army Officers Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area; The Army Officers Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area - Fort Myer Thrift Shop; The Armed Forces Hostess Association; Army Arlington Ladies; Army Community Service; Army Ten-Miler; Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers; Child, Youth and School Services; Child Development Center Parent Advisory Council; Experienced-Based Career Education and Professional Related Intern/Mentorship Experience at the Arlington Career Center; Fort Myer Chapel Congregations; Fort Myer Library; Fort Myer Legal Assistance Tax Center; The Old Guard Ladies Association and The Old Guard Family Readiness Group; Pershing's Own Family Association; Retiree Services Council; Supported Work and Transition at the Arlington Career Center, and the United Service Organizations.

The volunteers from these organizations have contributed 100,912 hours of service. ACS employees presented a check facsimile to Sumpter, showing the equivalent dollar amount of $2,198,872.40. The current rate per the independent sector is $21.79 per hour.

JBM-HH certificates of appreciation for five years of service were awarded to: Alexandra Barazzone; Jean Bradley; Ruth Brown; Judy Caldwell; Willo Conlon; Ann Conrad; Guri Glass; Sandra Gray, retired Sgt. 1st Class John Gulius; Sandy Oujiri and Mary Lou Wolfkill.

JBM-HH certificates of achievement for 10 years of service were awarded to: Debbie deCamp; Paige Kellogg; Sharon Kreidler; Joan Major; Paula Ann Mancini; Jane Newman and Amy Wilkins.

The Department of the Army civilian service award for 15 years of service was awarded to: Betty Marie Fields; Bonnie Harold; Judy Jagielski; Betty Kelson; Margaret Nowak; retired Col. Ralph Sievers; Miriam Towey and retired Sgt. 1st Class Joyce Wright.

The Department of the Army commander's award for public service for 20 years of service was awarded to: Jean Dyer; Nancy Foscue and Olga Portell.

The Department of the Army certificate of appreciation for 25 years of service was awarded to: Ellen McAllister; Mary Pawlow and Margaret Thomas.

The Department of the Army certificate of achievement for 30 years of service was awarded to: retired Col. Reginald Grier; Lou Lunn; Joyce Mason; Charley O'Connor and Nancy Stevenson.

The Department of the Army certificate of achievement for longevity was awarded to Maria Randolph (45 years) and Patsy Skidmore (65 years).

The Military District of Washington helping hand award for outstanding service in two or more volunteer organizations was awarded to: John Ahern; Jennie Lennox; Karen Markert; Sherry Cantrell; Tracey Wunderlich; Dale Rowe; Jill Thomas and Shelly Worrell.

The JBM-HH certificate of achievement for volunteer of the year was awarded to Dianne Longow for her volunteer work at the JBM-HH Tax Center.

Army Achievement Medals and commander's coins from both Sumpter and Linnington were presented to the following Soldiers for their work at the JBM-HH Tax Center: Capt. Michael Colucci; Staff Sgt. Ryan Wilson; Master Sgt. Maria de la Cerde Rohde; Sgt. Torrance Slaughter; Sgt. Zachary Theriault; Sgt. Darius Mitchell; Spc. Alexander Haugrud; Pfc. Kyle Kretchmer; Spc. Christopher Lee and Pfc. Justin F. Labarbera.

A certificate of appreciation was also awarded to JBM-HH Public Affairs Officer Mary Ann Hodges for her work as master of ceremonies at the event.

"The United States was built on volunteerism and the work the volunteers do here at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and in the Military District of Washington is really appreciated," said Linnington. "I especially want to thank those who volunteer year in and year out."

"The strength of the Army lies in its soldiers, and the strength of the Army community lies in the talents and contributions of its members," said Sumpter.