FORT KNOX, Kentucky, (Nov. 17, 2014) Christie Shaver's volunteer work earned her the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Margaret C. Corbin Award Oct. 31.
Given to military spouses who've demonstrated dedicated, exemplary volunteerism, her efforts on behalf of 3rd Recruiting Brigade were recognized.
She is the wife of Capt. Joshus Shaver, 3rd Brigade Headquarter's company commander. Christie has supported her husband in his career every step of the way in over 20 years of marriage. She endured two unaccompanied tours, four combat deployments, and 14 PCS moves, and volunteered at every installation they've been assigned.
Her dedication, outstanding volunteer commitment in support of Fort Knox, the 3rd Recruiting Brigade and other surrounding communities has made her instrumental in the success of countless community programs and activities since her arrival to United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) in February 2013.
"Christie Shaver is a giver," said Brigade Commander, Col. Michael McTigue. "She has set the standard of what it means to give, and to give unselfishly.
"Having put in more than 3700 certified volunteer hours, Mrs. Shaver has provided this community a benefit that will continue to reap rewards for years to come."
Among her work: helping numerous young families through personal trials, coordinating efforts to send care packages to Soldiers on the front lines fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, giving her time and resources to the Fort Knox High School track team, volunteering as a youth sports and fitness coach at Fort Knox, and serving her church as a Sunday school teacher. Most recently, Christie served as the team mom for over six months for the U-13 Fort Knox Knights Football team.
Shaver and her children volunteered and assisted with a special needs group in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, during an evening event referred to as "A Night to Shine."
Shaver was honored and humbled to receive the Corbin award.
"To volunteer is not about recognition or receiving an award, it's about giving, it's about family and taking care of the Soldiers and their families," said Shaver.
"My children's names should be on this certificate as well, for their help and support. They worked hard and volunteered -- we all work hard and share our time to help others. So I want to thank them and let them know we all share this award."
The Corbin Award was created in 2008 to honor spouse volunteers within TRADOC. It is named for Margaret C. Corbin, a woman who fought alongside her husband, John, in the American Revolution. On November 16, 1776, at Fort Washington, N.Y., the fort was attacked by British and Hessian troops. The couple manned a cannon, and after John was killed, Margaret continued loading and firing the cannon. She was wounded by grapeshot, which tore her shoulder, mangled her chest and lacerated her jaw. She never recovered fully from her wounds and was left without use of her left arm for the rest of her life.
In 1779, the Continental Congress granted her a pension ("half the pay and allowances of a soldier in service") due to her distinguished bravery. She continued to be included on regimental muster lists until the end of the war in 1783. Margaret Cochran Corbin died near West Point, N.Y.
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