FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Nov. 20, 2014) -- The 2014 Fort Jackson Family of the Year is the Ewers Family. The family was nominated along with 21 other families who serve on Fort Jackson.
Each family was recognized by the Maj. Gen. Bradley Becker, Fort Jackson's commanding general; his wife, Sherri; and Post Command Sergeant Major William Hain for its service at the Fort Jackson Family of the Year ceremony, Friday at the Solomon Center.
"It is truly an honor to be recognized with the rest of the families who dedicate so much to Fort Jackson," said Matthew Ewers, a financial administrative specialist with the 81st Regional Support Command. "We are very proud to win this award because Fort Jackson is recognizing what we do as a family. My wife and I are very involved with Fort Jackson schools and with our three boys and their Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts."
Ewers is also an Army Reserve sergeant first class assigned to the 108th Training Command. His wife, Holly, among her many volunteer positions in the Fort Jackson community, is the president for the Parent Teacher Organization of C.C. Pinckney Elementary School. The Ewers have three children -- Michael, 10, Aiden, 4, and Nicholas, 2.
"The Ewers family is very involved in the community," said Marilynn Bailey, Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator. "They are always willing to lend a hand whenever they can, even when their plate is running over. They are an outstanding family."
As the new Fort Jackson Family of the Year, the Ewers will take part in the installation's holiday activities by lighting the Christmas tree and menorah at a ceremony at 5 p.m., Dec. 3 at Post Headquarters.
Bailey said the Family of the Year ceremony recognizes families' contributions to the Fort Jackson community and builds family morale.
"These families make many outstanding contributions and sacrifices to the military and to the Fort Jackson community," she said. "This celebration is also a part of the National Month of the Military Family. Families are being honored all over the nation. This event makes families feel special, and they are aware that the military cares."
Each of the 21 families received a Thanksgiving dinner after the ceremony, a fruit basket, a plaque and a Department of the Army certificate of commendation signed by Becker.
Becker said he was proud of each nominated family and honored to be part of the event.
FORT JACKSON FAMILIES OF THE YEAR
-- Carole and Joseph Coveney, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Jackson
-- Gregory and Malissa Welch, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Jackson
-- Staff Sgt. Eric and Natalie Avalos, 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment
-- Staff Sgts. Emma and Charles Anderson, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment
-- Sgt. 1st Class Jason and Lauri Duke, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment
-- Sgt. 1st Class Felicia and Joshua Dahl, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment
-- Command Sgt. Maj. Edward and Martha Ellis-Kelsey, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment
-- Staff Sgt. Jacqueline and Michael Grotenhuis, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment
-- 1st Sgt. Gary and Master Sgt. Thipmalay Lynn, Lightning Battalion (Provisional)
-- Staff Sgt. Nolan and Maria McGee, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment
-- Sgt. 1st Class Franklin and Jennifer Pipes, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment
-- Staff Sgt. Tonya Robertson, 165th Infantry Brigade
-- Lt. Col. Scott and Lori Sonsalla, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment
-- Sgt. 1st Class Joseph and Michelle Turley, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment
-- Staff Sgt. Matthew and Judy Governor, 187th Ordnance Battalion
-- Capt. Jeffrey and Leanne Kocian, 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception)
-- Staff Sgt. Jeremy and Brandy Timm, 187th Ordnance Battalion
-- Sgt. 1st Class Steven and Jamie Martz, 369th Adjutant General Battalion
-- Matthew and Holly Ewers, 81st Regional Support Command
-- Sgt. 1st Class Robert and Christina Holder, MEDDAC
-- Sgt. Demetria and Staff Sgt. Spencer Wilson, DENTAC
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