Fort Rucker's lifeblood: Post thanks volunteers for selfless service

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterMay 14, 2015

Fort Rucker's lifeblood: Post thanks volunteers for selfless service
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. (May 14, 2015) -- "Volunteers are the lifeblood of Fort Rucker," the garrison commander told Soldiers, family members and civilian employees attending the May 7 Fort Rucker Quarterly Volunteer Recognition ceremony to honor those who gave their time for the betterment of the community.

"This is a great opportunity for us to see those people who might otherwise go unseen," said Col. Stuart J. McRae. "Volunteers don't volunteer to be seen … so I just want to thank everybody who volunteers and thank our command teams who recognize those people who volunteer inside of our organizations."

Maj. Gen. Michael D. Lundy, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, was also on hand to express his appreciation.

"Your care for your Soldier and being involved in what we do here, and providing the services and capabilities that you do for us can't go without a heartfelt thanks from me -- we could not do this without all of you," said the commanding general. "People may not realize the breadth of what volunteers do for this post and all the posts around the Army, but today gives everybody the opportunity to see the depth of that volunteerism and how important it is."

Those who were recognized received a Fort Rucker Volunteer "Above the Best" lapel pin and a certificate of appreciation, which read, "For your selection as an outstanding volunteer for the Fort Rucker community, your loyalty, dedication and commitment are indicative of your invaluable contributions, which demonstrate a deep sense of caring for others. Your selfless service reflects great credit upon yourself, your organization and the United States Army."

The following are those who were recognized at the ceremony along with a short write-up from the unit that nominated them.

Stanislava Williams, 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group -- As a valued volunteer for the 164th TAOG, Williams devoted 47 hours of her time this quarter as the detachment's Family Readiness Group leader and many additional hours to the Fort Rucker Community Spouses Club.

Othan Gilbert, Fort Rucker Religious Support Office -- As a valued volunteer for the RSO, Gilbert is a leader in the protestant chapel congregation serving the Fort Rucker community.

Dee Gilbert, Fort Rucker RSO -- Dee is a valued volunteer for the RSO and a leader in the protestant chapel congregation serving the Fort Rucker community.

CW4 Cary D. Howard, Aviation Center Logistics Command -- Howard volunteers his time to the Boy Scouts of America as an assistant Scout master with Troop 150 in Enterprise. He also serves as a provisional adult leader for the BSA winter camp in Atlanta, Georgia.

Russ Kruse, USAACE -- As a valued volunteer from C Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Aviation Regiment, 110th Aviation Brigade, Kruse is an example of a retired warrant officer and current Army civilian giving back to the 1-14th and USAACE while serving as a motorcycle mentor. His spirit and enthusiasm are an example for all to emulate.

CW3 Katherine Metz, A Co., 1st Bn., 14th Avn. Regt., 110th Avn. Bde. -- Metz donates her time and talents as a member of the Firebird Volunteers, helping to strengthen bonds with the Wiregrass community.

Lisa Swanson, D Co., 1st Bn., 14th Avn. Regt., 110th Avn. Bde. -- Swanson was recognized for her superb volunteer efforts in support of the Fort Rucker community.

Jennifer Jackson, Fort Rucker Parent Teacher Association -- Jackson is a valued volunteer for the Fort Rucker PTA and the DOA education activity, and provides endless effort and unwavering commitment to improving the Fort Rucker community by volunteering her time with the PTA and school system.

Tracey Landa, Fort Rucker Thrift Shop -- She was recognized for her generous commitment of time, outstanding support of and being an inspiration to the activities of the Fort Rucker Thrift Shop and the military community.

Hyeonjoo Pinnel, Lyster Army Health Clinic -- As a valued volunteer for LAHC, Pinnel gives her time and talent to programs and functions, which energize the community into a healthy lifestyle. She provides a two one-hour Zumba classes to anyone in the community and was also a Fit Fest volunteer.

Spc. Breeanna Schwieso, Fort Rucker U.S. Army Garrison -- Schwieso serves as the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program secretary. She has successfully coordinated and helped to organize numerous BOSS events, as well as volunteering 62 hours with BOSS, the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, and local organizations within the Wiregrass community.

Sgt. 1st Class Sherman Stover, NCO Academy -- Stover is a leader who epitomizes who a true servant leader is by volunteering over 220 hours of his personal time to support Fort Rucker and the surrounding communities.

Elise Wilson, Army Community Service -- As a valued volunteer to ACS, Wilson devotes herself to serving Soldiers and families of the Fort Rucker community as a volunteer for ACS's relocation readiness office and The Lending Hangar.

Spc. Nadia English, 164th TAOG -- English gives approximately 27 hours of her time per month coordinating BOSS functions and activities, as well as distributing information for the 597th Maintenance Detachment.

Spc. David Richardson, 164th TAOG -- Richardson also volunteers approximately 27 hours per month as the detachment's BOSS program representative by coordinating BOSS functions and activities, as well as distributing information for the 597th Maintenance Detachment.

Jay Guild, ACLC -- Guild gives his time to the Boy Scouts of America by serving as a professional role model, and passes on those traits to the parents and children associated with the BSA.

Related Links:

USAACE and Fort Rucker on Twitter

USAACE and Fort Rucker on Facebook

Fort Rucker, Ala.

U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence