Vanguard volunteers recognized for outstanding service

By Sgt. Joshua LaidackerFebruary 10, 2014

Vanguard volunteers recognized for outstanding service
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Kimo Gallahue, commander of 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, center, and his wife stand with volunteers of the Vanguard Brigade during a recognition ceremony Jan. 22, 2014, on the 4th IBCT compound at Fort Stewart, Ga. Th... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Vanguard volunteers recognized for outstanding service
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Kimo Gallahue, commander of 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, left, thanks volunteers at a recognition ceremony Jan. 22, 2014, on the 4th IBCT compound at Fort Stewart, Ga. The recognition ceremony was held to thank the vo... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Exceptional volunteers of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were recognized for their service during the brigade's deployment at a Vanguard volunteer recognition ceremony, Jan. 22., on the 4th IBCT Compound at Fort Stewart, Ga.

"You all are being recognized for the outstanding work that you've done and to let you know how much we appreciate it," said Col. Kimo Gallahue, commander of the Vanguard Brigade, as he addressed the awardees.

"This is about the team that was formed, not just the team that was in uniform, but the team of families and spouses and significant others that come together and support what we do in the Army."

In all, 12 Vanguard volunteers were recognized: Larrissa Pearce, Kearstin McGinnis, Rebecca Natividad, Nina Bell, Paula Ottestad, Tina Gentry, Sarita Thomas, Elizabeth Delise, Cindy Hairston, Madelyn Powell, Bonnie Conrad, Magda Brasefield, Melanie James.

These volunteers spent countless hours selflessly working behind-the-scenes to make events happen. Their positions ranged from Family Readiness Group leaders to key callers and were commended for their communication with commanders in Afghanistan and commitment to soldiers during the brigade's recent combat tour in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Gallahue said the small group represents only a small portion of the many volunteers who helped so much throughout the brigade.

"What you all have done in your sincere giving and helping your families and your spouse's organization, to be able to go out and do our jobs, has been absolutely phenomenal," Gallahue said.

Melanie James, wife of 1st Sgt. Franklin James, first sergeant for Company C, 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th IBCT, said "I was grateful to Col. Gallahue and Mrs. Gallahue." She said the recognition ceremony "was very nice of them."

Melanie, who also works full time at Winn Army Community Hospital, is a mother of two, and a Family Readiness Group leader, was instrumental in providing for the needs of injured soldiers while they recuperated during the deployment.

"I couldn't imagine being injured and dirty and being brought to a place and not having a pair of clean socks or a blanket or a bar of soap to wash with, so I felt it was really important to get those things for those guys." James said. "They needed that so I felt obligated to get it for them."

James also said she maintained communication with parents of single soldiers as well as spouses to ensure they were up to date on information concerning the unit during deployment.

"I've been one of those young soldier's wives that was left in the dark and I didn't want anybody to be left in the dark," James added. "I wanted everybody to know what was going on at all times."

Each volunteer was presented a certificate of appreciation from the 4th IBCT command team, which Gallahue said was a very modest token of the appreciation of the brigade.

"You volunteers did more than your part," said Gallahue. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Related Links:

The 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division DVIDS page.

The official 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart Facebook page.

The official 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Facebook page.

The official 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart website.