BAMBERG, Germany - The 16th Sustainment Brigade held the first of what is to be an annual Volunteer of the Year awards ceremony Oct. 2 at the Warner Club on Warner Barracks here to honor those volunteers in the brigade who have given their personal time to help others.
There were four types of awards given out - bronze, silver and gold Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, and the battalion Family Readiness Group advisors received the Knight's Shield Award and a brigade coin.
The PVSA came with a letter signed by the U.S. president and a medal based on the level of award they received.
A bronze medal is awarded to the volunteers with 100-249 hours of volunteer time. Silver is for 250-499 hours, and gold is for 500 hours and up.
"I see a lot of the work that volunteers do around here and wanted to recognize them," said Wendy Sledd, the 16th Sust. Bde. FRG advisor. "I just want to focus on the selflessness of these people who take time out of their lives to help others."
It doesn't matter where someone volunteers, whether it be with their units, local community or even a German organization, though all volunteers must register and log the hours spent doing so with the Volunteer Management Information System to be considered for an award.
Another benefit of logging hours with VMIS is that it keeps track of the hours so they can be used for a resume if the volunteer decides to apply for a job.
In addition to honoring volunteers from around the brigade, several agencies were recognized for their contributions - the Army and Air Force Exchange Services, the Stable Theater, Morale Welfare and Recreation and the U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg, just to name a few.
Anyone who wants to volunteer their time can contact their FRG leader or Army Community Services for volunteer opportunities.
"There is plenty to do here," said Sledd. "Just roll up your sleeves. There's an organization that needs your help."
"You don't have to have a lot of time to volunteer," said Angel Lono, the 16th Sust. Bde. volunteer coordinator. "Even if you have a full-time job or are a stay at home parent, there is always something you can do around your schedule like coaching youth sports or volunteering time with the boy scouts and girl scouts. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends."
"It's important that we hold events like this," said Col. Keith Sledd, the commander 16th Sust. Bde. "We reap the benefits of their work, and they deserve recognition. Thanks to all the volunteers for all that they do."
Social Sharing