Camp Darby ACS honors volunteers

CAMP DARBY, Italy – The Camp Darby community gathered on April 17, 2025 to celebrate the selfless contributions of its volunteers during the annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. The event, orchestrated by Army Community Services (ACS), honored volunteers and community liaisons who dedicated their time and talents to strengthen the Camp Darby community throughout 2024.

Tori Yashinski, ACS Specialist and Master of Ceremonies, opened the event by acknowledging the significant impact volunteers have on the installation, particularly considering manpower and resource constraints. She emphasized that the 863 hours contributed by volunteers were not merely a statistic, but a testament to their commitment and the driving force behind successful community events like Eggapalooza, the Christmas Tree Lighting, Thanksgiving Feast, Trunk or Treat, and Escape from the Tower.

The volunteers who received awards were Crystal Alcantara, Jina Aponte Cabrera, Chris Clark, Aaron Guevara, Jayme Hertlein, Crystal Johnson, Darius Jones, Catarina Korcanin-Wilcox, Kris Krall, Colby Laplatney, Emanuel Martinez-Gomez, Amber McGuire, Sydney Morriss, Daniel Perez, Kayley Render, Tamara Roberts, Christopher Rossi, Christian Schoeppey, Brittany Seymour, Christian Seymour, Marjorie Thomas, Melody Vega, Raneice Watkins and Evan West. Each volunteer received a certificate of appreciation in recognition of their invaluable service. Their cumulative efforts saved the Garrison approximately $28,910 in labor costs.

The ceremony also highlighted four exceptional individuals who were selected as Volunteers of the Year in their respective categories:

Service Member Volunteer of the Year: Staff Sergeant Crystal Alcantara, 731st Munitions Squadron, was recognized for her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of fellow service members. For two consecutive years, she spearheaded the BOSS program, organizing a diverse range of events that fostered camaraderie and a sense of belonging among service members.

Military Spouse Volunteer of the Year: Jayme Hertlein's dedication was evident in her tireless service to the AFSBN Battalion and the wider Camp Darby community. Her leadership in organizing unit, joint military, and community events fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and significantly boosted morale.

Civilian Employee Volunteer of the Year: Marjorie Thomas was recognized for her vital role in strengthening the Camp Darby Chapel community. She created a welcoming environment that fostered connections and spiritual growth, providing crucial support for spouses living abroad and contributing to a more resilient and connected military community.

Civilian Spouse Volunteer of the Year: Kris Krall's dedication to the AFSBN Battalion's SFRG left a lasting positive impact. Her consistent willingness to assist with unit events led to increased participation and strengthened connections within the unit.