WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Dec. 11, 2014) -- Joyce W. Massenburg said she was taught at a very young age by her parents and those at her church and school that it's important to help those less fortunate; indeed, it's a civic responsibility.
After becoming an Army civilian decades ago -- she didn't want to say how many -- Massenburg continued her volunteerism, and for that, she was awarded the Department of Defense Spirit of Hope Award at the Pentagon, Thursday.
Presenting the award were Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Col. Brian J. McHugh, of the Combined Arms Center.
The award honors Bob Hope's values of duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and selfless dedication, said James. It recognizes individuals or organizations who have selflessly contributed an extraordinary amount of time, talent or resources to significantly enhance the quality of life of service members around the world.
Although the Massenburg family, who lived in Petersburg, Virginia, helped the needy, they themselves were not well-to-do. She said her father was a laborer and they scrimped and saved just enough each year to make fruit and candy baskets to take to those less fortunate.
At the time, she said, toys at Christmas were a luxury for many kids, but they treasured the candy mints that were in the basket. "It didn't take much to make kids happy back then."
Masenburg said she was fortunate to have such a wonderful family growing up, and she's tried to pass that love and guidance on to her three children. They in turn said they're blessed to have a great mother. All three attended the ceremony, son Will and daughters Joy and Jewel.
Values and service were also emphasized at her school, she said, recalling Gertie Williams, her fifth grade teacher at Blandford Elementary. "She taught us obedience and respect, in addition to reading, writing and arithmetic."
Williams also took the kids to plays and even to a TV studio. The two still stay in touch and Williams, who is now 91, was at the Pentagon to watch her former student receive the honors.
Today, Massenburg is a training analyst at the Combined Arms Center, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
As she received her award, her citation was read:
"Massenburg developed command climate surveys during the tour of three separate quartermaster generals which aided in prioritizing efforts to boost the morale of Soldiers.
"She was the first to chair the Fort Lee Federal Women's Program, and successfully developed a Day of Religious Service for all at Fort Lee.
"For 17 years, she served on a Community Service Organization board that provided Economic Development and Health & Physical Awareness Training.
"She annually participated with Soldiers Walk for Hunger and supported the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Veteran Bingo Event at the Veterans Hospital for the Spinal Cord Injury Ward. Massenburg provided assistance to a young captain who was assigned to the Fort Eustis Warrior Transition Unit by visiting him, conversing with his family, and providing recreational items such as magazines and special edible treats.
"Her contributions extended to all Department of the Army civilians and Soldiers through her lead role in developing an Army Human Relations Response Course."
Apparently, there were too many volunteer activities to fit on the citation.
She also has been visiting the United Nations every year with others from her Delta Sigma Theta sorority, working to improve the lives of women and children worldwide.
And, she assisted the Army Equal Opportunity Officer in developing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training.
Also, she's been holding reading workshops for youth for 33 years in Petersburg.
In 1980, the Virginia Jaycees awarded her the Federal Service Employee of the Year award for her volunteer work with children and young people.
She said she's proud to be an Army civilian, supporting Soldiers who do so much for the nation. When she worked at Fort Monroe, Virginia, in the 1980s, she said she saw homeless veterans sleeping under the I-64 bridge and that broke her heart, so she began volunteering at the local Veterans Affairs hospital.
Although Massenburg did a lifetime of volunteering, she did find time to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees, and then become an adjunct professor at Saint Leo University and Chapman College, both of which had branches at Fort Lee, Virginia, where she worked at the time. Among the subjects she taught were effective communications and human relations training.
ABOUT THE AWARD
James compared the Spirit of Hope Awards to the "Academy Awards for those who excel in giving back to their community, the military, and veterans."
If Hope were "here today, he'd be especially proud of the honorees," she said. Hope died in 2003, two months after his 100th birthday.
"One person can truly make a difference. Bob Hope did, these honorees do as well," she concluded.
The Spirit of Hope Award was created in 1998. Each year, the five services and the Department of Defense can nominate individuals or organizations for the award.
Bob Hope traveled the world under the USO banner to entertain American Service members wherever they were stationed. His first USO show was at March Field, California, in 1941, and his last USO tour entertained forces in the Persian Gulf War, in 1990. The U.S. Congress recognized Hope as an honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces.
Besides Massenburg, other Spirit of Hope awardees Dec. 11, were: Marjorie L. and Arthur P. Miller, Marine Corps; Retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. Victor M. Pulido III; Robert Powers, Coast Guard; Final Salute Inc., Navy; and the Vigiano Group of the Fire Department of New York.
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