JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Joint Base Lewis-McChord volunteer coordinator Lori Parker presented a $2,900,236.68 check to Col. Thomas Brittain, JBLM commander, at last week's annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. The check represented the monetary value of the hours JBLM volunteers contributed in 2011.
"Thank you, because of volunteer hours we are able to do so much," Brittain said. "For each of you there are 15 to 20 folks that may be less fortunate at some time. The challenge is to reach out everyday to someone who needs a helping hand. Every time you've been asked you have accepted the challenge to help."
Besides recognizing the group effort of the thousands of JBLM volunteers, a select few were honored for their tremendous service throughout the year.
Janna Haycock was named JBLM Volunteer of the Year. As an FRG adviser for Group Support Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, she helped recruit 28 volunteers to the group, as well as helped to establish company FRGs, coordinate meetings, trainings and events. She's also served as the volunteer coordinator for Santa's Castle and Clarkmoor Parent Teacher Organization.
"It is very humbling to win," Haycock said. "I think everyone in this room deserves it."
Haycock volunteers because she enjoys the opportunity to help others.
"It just feels good to give back to the community."
Michaela Rehm was honored as the Youth Volunteer of the Year and her entire family, including Andrea Terialles, Sgt. Albert Terialles, John and Jacob Rehm, and Albert Terialles, Jr. were honored with the Family Volunteer of the Year award. They all volunteer with a number of organizations, including the Children's Youth Ministries, Locks of Love, Salvation Army and local schools.
Retiree Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Mara Barthel who provides crucial assistance to the Survivor Outreach Services office. She has attended every memorial service on JBLM as well as helped maintain a database of survivors in the area, organized special events and helped with Good Grief Camp and Surviving Family Appreciation Day.
Specialist Jeremy Baker was recognized at the Active Duty Volunteer of the Year. The Soldier volunteers as a Better Opportunities for Single Service members designated driver on weekends and has volunteered during BOSS' Haunted House in the fall, Make a Difference Day and Paint Tacoma Beautiful.
Four adult volunteers were also recognized as "Volunteers of Merit."
Terri Gordius won for her work as 14th Engineer Battalion FRG leader, helping families deal with deployment and redeployment through providing resources and planning activities.
Dawn Braley was honored for her work with 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery; Lewis Community Spouses' Club and Santa's Castle.
Wally Potter won for his volunteer work with the Retirement Services Office, Retiree Council and Casualty Assistance Center.
The fourth winner, Debra Gould, volunteers with the American Red Cross, Madigan Family Readiness Group, Army Family Action Plan Conference, Santa's Castle and Health Services Auxiliary. She volunteers to give back to the community that she says "gives so much."
"I appreciate all those who took the time to write something up," Gould said. "It means that I'm making a difference and it is meaning something to someone else."
As an Army spouse, she also added that volunteering keeps her busy when her husband is deployed and allows her to spend time with her children. It also helps make this assignment at JBLM great.
"I love making this station a positive experience."
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