Honoring children's heroes

By Julia LeDoux, Pentagram Staff WriterMay 14, 2015

Honoring children's heroes
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Members of the Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program pose for a portrait May 7, 2015, during the Blue Tie Affair in the Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, which awarded service member and civilian vol... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Honoring children's heroes
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Senior Career Counselor U.S. Army Master Sgt. James Meyers jokes with Barcroft Elementary School students before leaving for a VIP tour of the White House Jan. 22 in Washington, D.C. Meyers was one of five children's pr... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Family Advocacy Program recognized five Children's Heroes May 7 during its Blue Tie Affair at the Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

Hosted by JBM-HH Commander Col. Mike Henderson, the event recognized individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty for the community's children while striving to make it safe for all.

Ivan Pierce was recognized by the joint base's Catholic community, where he has served as the volunteer coordinator for the Catholic religious education program on the joint base since 2010. During his tenure, the enrollment in the program has grown to over 100 students this year. He also teaches the annual confirmation class and organizes its annual give back to the community day. Pierce, a retired Naval officer, is also a certified catechist through the Archdiocese of Military Services.

"He provides leadership to the staff and a positive mentoring role model to all the students," wrote Patricia Trahan and Chaplain (Maj.) Fred Wendel in a letter nominating Pierce for the recognition. "His quiet, gentle persona leads the children not only in their class work but in active participation in the Catholic services throughout the year."

Pierce said he and his fellow volunteers do not give of their time for recognition.

"I'd say this award means that we have all invested in the greater reward that's to be," he said.

Army Master Sgt. James Meyers was nominated by Katie Groseclose and Jamie Albers, who noted that Myers has been volunteering with the Tutor and Buddy program at Barcroft Elementary School since he arrived on the joint base in 2010. He also coordinated a White House tour for 30 children, 15 Marines and nine additional school and Marine Corps Community Services staffers associated with the tutoring program. Meyers also volunteered with the 2013 Special Olympics bowling championship and assisted with a school supply drive that benefited students at Amidon-Bowen Elementary School in Washington, D.C.

"Master Sgt. Meyers and his dependable service to our community is exceptional," they wrote in their nomination letter. "We thank you for your continued dedication and service. It's because of Soldiers like you that our children will have excellent role models to admire and a safer, brighter and happier world in which to live."

Meyers, who is retiring after more than 20 years of service, said he looks as the reward as a culmination of everything he has done during his Army career. He recalled his first volunteer experience as a young Soldier volunteering as a summer camp instructor for kids when he was stationed in San Antonio, Texas.

"It turned out to be an awakening event," he said.

Marine Master Sgt. Jason Surratt was nominated by Groseclose and Kelly Layne for volunteering with the Tutor and Buddy Program, Wreaths Across America, Winterhaven Homeless Outreach, Honor Flight and service as a judge at a Junior ROTC competition and at the Barcroft Elementary School science fair. Surratt also participated in Barcroft's 35th anniversary gala, spring fair and Halloween carnival and with Toys for Tots.

"Master Sgt. Surratt is unlike many other volunteers, as what sets him apart is his enthusiasm about every opportunity he has to serve," Groseclose and Layne wrote.

Surratt said he was surprised by the recognition and encourages his junior Marines to volunteer as well.

"Do it because you want to, not because you have to," he said.

Army Sgt. Sherrod Percell was nominated by Stephen Bates for his work as a youth basketball coach for the past three years.

"He deals with children of single parent households and provides the fatherly support that he did not receive when he was younger," Bates wrote in his nomination letter. "Since he is a parent himself, he brings personal experience and other important attributes that display the qualities of strength, guidance, support understanding and self-reliance."

Army spouse Jessica Ross was nominated by Joseph R. Graves Jr., for her work as book fair chairperson for Fairfax County schools and as a weekly volunteer in a Kindergarten classroom and with the Parent Teacher Organization

"Her willingness to step up to the plate, especially in times of need ensures our unit's readiness and mission completion," wrote Graves. "Without her the community programs that she volunteers for would not be able to do what they do."

Percell and Ross were unable to attend the event.