FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Samira Sruggs first began attending various camps on Fort Bragg as a kindergartner, said her mother, Pam Scruggs, a Department of the Army civilian employee.
Now 18, Samira was one of nearly 55 volunteers who were recognized in a Promise Passport ceremony, Wednesday, at Tolson Youth Activities Center, by Child, Youth and School Services.
Samira has volunteered with the American Red Cross at Womack Army Medical Center, Pam said. She has also volunteered as an assistant to Annette Bennett, Tolson's teen program director.
"It was exactly what (Samira) needed last year because she was too old to come to camp," Pam said.
Promise Passport was an initiative begun by retired Gen. Colin Powell as a way to give back to young people and to try to instill in them a sense of giving back to the community, said Patti Turner, chief, Youth and School Age Services. The ceremony recognized about 55 volunteers for their support to the community and to Tolson.
"When I see someone who is in need, I have to do something," said volunteer Barbara Largent, 15. "My mom raised me to be the type of person to volunteer even when I don't have the time to do it," said Largent, an honor student at Massey Hill Classical High School.
"I'm proud of her. She's a good kid," said Kathy Sisk, Largent's mother.
Hahna Hobson is another volunteer at Tolson, and recently was chosen as its youth of the year.
In an address to fellow volunteers at Wednesday's ceremony, Hobson said that volunteering allows them to make a difference in the lives of others.
"Helping others, helps you," Hobson said.
But, helping others also accomplishes something else - "When you think of others ... you are giving back to the person in terms of how they view young people today," Turner said.
Volunteer activities range from picking up pine cones around Tolson and beautifying other Fort Bragg facilities to helping staff with administrative tasks such as filing, said Kevin Breisch, Promise Passport coordinator.
"It builds their citizenship because they're helping around the community; (it builds) loyalty to the community," he said.
For more information about programs available to youth on Fort Bragg, visit the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation website at www.fortbraggmwr.com.
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