Volunteers Make Lasting Impression As Hours Mount

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Lorraine Kraus has clocked in plenty of hours as a volunteer for Army Community Service.

With more than 10,000 hours volunteered since 1996, she has helped make plenty of things happen for Army Community Service and the civilians, Soldiers and families it serves. From volunteering at the front desk to coordinating newcomer orientations, and special events and projects, Kraus is a friendly reminder of all the ways volunteers can contribute to the Army Community Service mission.

But what’s even better is that Kraus represents a whole unit of volunteers who continue to make Redstone’s Army Community Service one of the best in the Army.

Take Sharon Samuelson as an example. She’s put in more than 8,000 hours at Army Community Service since 1997, volunteering at the front desk, with Army Family Team Building, on special projects and events, and for the Army Family Action Plan.

Then there’s Kim Anton, who’s put in more than 4,000 hours volunteering at the front desk, and with special projects and events.

And Betty Reed, who has 1,500 volunteer hours working the Army Community Service’s coupon program and crocheting hats for Soldiers.

They are the top achievers in a group of volunteers who do an “incredible amount” of work to keep Army Community Service programs operating and moving forward, Garrison commander Col. John Hamilton said during a volunteer recognition luncheon June 23.

“Your work is powerful and incredibly important to our community,” he said. “We could not do what we do or be what we are without you.”

In the past year, 31 Army Community Service volunteers have donated 5,290.5 hours of service in support of its programs and events.

Hamilton said there aren’t enough words to express the appreciation the Arsenal community has for Army Community Service volunteers, and their commitment, dedication and performance.

“You do it just because you see a need and you raise your hand and say you want to put your time toward that,” he said.

Hamilton was joined by Reba Rogers, honorary volunteer adviser for Army Community Service, in presenting certificates and gifts to the volunteers. The certificate stated “we express our sincere appreciation to you in recognition of your personal commitment, dedication and performance.”

The volunteers in attendance and their volunteer areas include: Kim Anton, front desk and special events and projects (4,000-hour pin); Sarah Ballard, Kara Carter-Price, Diane Corlew (100-hour recognition), Demetria Cruz and Angel Solomon, Army Family Team Building; Rosemary Lenz, front desk; Betty Reed, coupons and hats for troops (1,500-hour pin); Lee Samuelson, special events and projects; Malicia Walters, front desk, and special projects and events (250-hour pin); Elizabeth Watson, coupons (500-hour pin); Sharon Samuelson, front desk, Army Family Team Building, special events and projects, and Army Family Action Plan (more than 8,000 hours); Lorraine Kraus, front desk, newcomer orientation, and special events and projects (more than 10,000 hours); and Elise Becton, Army Community Service volunteer coordinator (250-hour pin).

Becton took over as the volunteer coordinator about seven months ago and has been recruiting new volunteers for Army Community Service. In the audience was Carol Brown, one of the newest members of the Army Community Service volunteer community.