FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Soldiers, Family Members and volunteers from across post received recognition for their time and efforts during Fort Drum's Annual Volunteer and Man / Woman of the Mountain appreciation ceremony held Thursday at the Commons.
Over the past year, volunteers donated 91,464 hours, which represents a savings of $2,173,184.64 if the time had been paid.
"Volunteers have been a source of action and change," said Dani Thompson-Reed, Fort Drum Army Volunteer Corps coordinator, as she welcomed everyone present. "From history, volunteers have played an integral role in the life of Soldiers and Families."
"Our volunteers make Fort Drum a better place to live, and tonight we are here to recognize all of our 42 volunteers that were nominated for Volunteer of Year and also two outstanding citizens that will be receiving the award for the 'Man / Woman of the Mountain,'" she said.
After her remarks and the posting of the colors, Chaplain (Col.) Kelly Moore, Fort Drum garrison chaplain, gave the invocation.
Col. Gary A. Rosenberg, Fort Drum garrison commander, then offered opening remarks.
"Tonight we recognize the contributions of more than 3,500 registered volunteers from across the installation," Rosenberg said.
"In these financially challenging times, the amount of time and effort that it takes to effectively support our Soldiers and Families simply can't be accomplished solely by the resources provided by the Army.
"Through the dedication and hard work our volunteers provide, they have faithfully bridged the gap, time and time again," he said. "To all of our volunteers, I say congratulations, and on behalf of all the Soldiers, their Families and Civilians of the 10th Mountain Division, thank you for your service, your time and your generous spirit of giving."
After Rosenberg's remarks, he presented the guest speaker, Judy Gentner, former deputy to the garrison commander.
"Volunteerism is the ultimate exercise in democracy," Gentner said. "Tonight we take the time to thank you and to honor you -- the people who welcome their social responsibility (and) dedicate themselves by taking action and getting involved to enact positive changes in their communities."
"Don't ever underestimate the value of your volunteer work," she said. "Noah's ark was built by volunteers; the Titanic was built by paid professionals."
The audience erupted in laughter at her remarks.
Gentner noted that volunteers are an integral part of the community support system.
"Volunteerism promotes change and development by identifying and responding to the needs of the community," she said. "Volunteers strengthen our community and mutually benefit the volunteer and the organization."
She concluded her tribute to the volunteers by saying, "It wasn't the reward that matters or the recognition you might receive. It was the doubtless commitment, your quality of service and the product of your devotion. These were the things that counted, and you gave them purely for the honor of giving."
Man/Woman of the Mountain
After Gentner's remarks, Melissa Townsend, wife of Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of Combined Joint Task Force-10 and 10th Mountain Division (LI), joined Rosenberg and Command Sgt. Maj. David Martel, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division (LI) rear detachment senior enlisted adviser, to present awards to this year's Man and Woman of the Mountain.
This year's Woman of the Mountain awardee was Valerie Parsons, who was recognized for her contributions to the Families of fallen Fort Drum Soldiers during the war on terrorism over the past decade in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Her personal efforts made certain that no Family of a fallen warrior was forgotten. A gold star stained glass plaque, which Parsons personally crafted, has been presented to each Family of a Fort Drum fallen hero, and it serves as a tangible reminder of their sacrifice.
This year's Man of the Mountain awardee was Ronald Thomson. As proprietor of Uncle Sam Boat Tours in Alexandria Bay, Thomson has partnered with Fort Drum's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation and the Association of the United States Army for the past 26 years, underwriting the installation's annual Riverfest event for Soldiers and their Families each year.
Through his efforts, he extends his personal gratitude to Soldiers for defending the nation's freedom and works to make sure that every participant at Riverfest feels at home, as an honorary community member of Alexandria Bay and the greater northern New York community.
During the ceremony, the following groups of volunteers received recognition:
Family Readiness Groups: Jessica Supanich, Jennifer Stewart, Athena Belohlavek, Elizabeth Trainor, Katie Perrone, Marta Napolitano, Jill Bruce, Alison Dewey, Wendy Millie, Holly Nusom, Colleen Rhoads, Gracie Wike, Tammy Repaski, Jennifer Moore, Tara Wescott, Shonna Hamm, Kylee, Durant, Tylema Atkins, Ashley Sandgren, Donna Fitzgerald, Jennifer Mulder, Maria Andrade, Jessica Chilson, Kalinn Prouty, Kim Neal, Kay Kovocek, Jamie McGuire, Lauren Chaplin and Melissa Behnkendorf.
Large Community Groups: Colleen Rhoads, Daniela Pina, Danyette Stubbs, Steve Cassell, Muriel Gregory and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Cosby.
Small Community Groups: Marta Napolitano, Crystal Stevens, Lindsey Hodkinson and Julie Thome.
Child and Youth Groups: Charles Crawford.
Youths: William Zenyuk and Hura Minger IV.
The Family Readiness Volunteer of the Year was Jamie McGuire, 10th Sustainment Brigade, who also was named the 2014 Fort Drum Installation Volunteer of the Year.
* The Large Community Group Volunteer of the Year was Muriel Gregory.
* The Small Group Volunteer of the Year was Diane Laforty.
* The Child and Youth Volunteer of the Year was Charles Crawford.
* The Youth Volunteer of the Year was William Zenyuk.
The evening concluded with closing remarks from Rosenberg and a round of applause for all of the awardees.
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