<b>YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea</b> - Teven Broyles, 14, got the volunteer bug earlier this year after deciding he was through "sitting around and doing nothing."
A regular Middle School and Teen Center volunteer, he stuck with it because he saw how much fun it was. What was fun for him turned into official recognition from U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan officials, who selected him as the top youth volunteer of the quarter.
The ninth-grader was one of two youth and 17 adult volunteers who were honored at the USAG-Yongsan Volunteer of the Quarter Ceremony July 9. All were recognized as nominees for volunteer of the quarter.
Staff Sgt. Carrie Smith, 251st Signal Detachment, 1st Signal Brigade won the adult volunteer category.
Broyles was recognized for his efforts described by officials as "above and beyond" and "shining" as a Boys and Girls Club of America and 4-H member. He supported Middle School and Teen Center athletic club, band tournaments, barbecues and beautification projects.
Smith, who could not attend the ceremony, volunteered 335 hours during the quarter, was nominated for her work with Girl Scout Brownie Troop 25 and the Army Community Service Relocation Program. According to her nomination letter, she provided "outstanding senior Girl Scout mentorship" during Scout camps in Okinawa and with Korean Girl Scouts in Seoul. She also volunteered with the Army Community Service Relocation Program, helping newly arrived Soldiers and civilian employees and their families with relocation assistance.
The hundreds of Yongsan community volunteers put in about 98,000 hours of service last quarter, Suzanne James, Yongsan's ACS director. In monetary terms, using an average hourly wage of $15, that comes to $1.4 million "of value added to our community's quality of life and well being," she added.
During the ceremony, each nominee received a certificate of appreciation from USAG-Yongsan Commander Col. Dave Hall. About 80 people attended the ceremony, including U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Walter Sharp, 8th U.S. Army Commander Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr. and Installation Management Command-Korea Commander Col. John Uberti.
Guest speaker Joseph Gall could not thank the volunteers enough for what they do. "You do so many noble achievements that you actually create and build and strengthen the ROK-US alliance," said Gall, who works in the Installation Management Command-Korea Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
"You take time to get involved," he said. "You are the cornerstone on which the Army Family Covenant community programs and civic relations are built. To all the volunteers and to all of those who support volunteerism, it is you who continue to inspire me by example."
For ninth-grader Teven, he said he'll continue helping out as much as he can. "Last year, I wasn't really into it. But this years my eyes opened up and I saw lots of opportunities. I learned a lot I didn't know before, and to just have a good time and a good feeling about it."
<b>Volunteer of the Quarter nominees and where they volunteer</b>
Youth
Teven Broyles, Child and Youth Services Middle School Center
Alexander Morgenstern, CYS Middle School Center
Adult
Julia Armstrong - Army Community Service Relocation Program
David Baptiste - United Service Organizations
Command Sgt. Major John Brenci - American Red Cross
Cynthia Dorcy - Chosun Gift Shop
Judith Fandich - ACS
Jon Hewitt - Music and Theater Branch
Pvt. Wendy Jacobs - K-16 Better Opportunities for Single and Unaccompanied Soldiers
Heather Maddox - 201st Signal Company Family Readiness Group
2nd Lt. Angela McCown - 1st Signal Battalion Good Neighbor Program
Nam Eun-joo - ACS Hannam Village
Tiffany Putman - ACS
Ingrid Riseley - ACS
Tim Sheerin - CYS youth sports
Nicole Shupe - ACS K-16
Staff Sgt. Carrie Smith - Girl Scouts and ACS
Maj. Larry Turner - CYS youth sports
Aundrea Witt - Army Family Team Building, Army Family Action Plan, FRG advisor
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