FORT LEE, Va. (April 21, 2016) -- "I see a group of compassionate people who work and serve in a military community and volunteer to help others," said first lady of the commonwealth Dorothy McAuliffe during her featured talk at the Fort Lee Volunteer Appreciation Reception April 14 in the Lee Club.
"I am especially moved since many of you are volunteers and already serve our nation or support your family member who is active duty," McAuliffe also noted.
Family and MWR and the Army Community Service hosted the reception to recognize more than 100 community members for their volunteer work on post during 2015.
Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general, opened with remarks for this year's Volunteer Appreciation Week theme 'Lifting Spirits, Touching Lives.'
"Fort Lee volunteers alone donated 147,056 hours of service this year, which has impacted our community in many wonderful ways," said Williams. "In fact, 520 of our Fort Lee volunteers earned enough hours to qualify for the presidential volunteer service award."
With a room full of volunteers, families and friends, McAuliffe spoke on behalf of the Gov. Terry McAuliffe, thanking the honorees for what they do. "April 10-16 is a time to recognize all volunteers who have selflessly given time to work on behalf of others," said McAuliffe. "You have a direct impact and the ability to keep programs running on Fort Lee such as USO, Tax Assistance Center, Boy and Girl Scouts, and the theater company."
McAuliffe also pointed out Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator Susan Loden's dedication to service.
"Her passion to service is evident to everyone she has met in her 23 years of public service," she said. "Not only does she support volunteerism in her paid position but she also spends countless hours of her free time to volunteer."
Certificates were presented to recognize four levels of service. Those who donated more than 100 hours received a bronze award. The silver award was over 250 hours, and the gold is over 499 volunteer hours.
The ceremony concluded with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented to veteran Rufus Montgomery who completed 4,000 hours of volunteer service over 49 years. He served in the Army for 38 years and retired in 2003. He now volunteers for the Association for Women Veterans in Petersburg.
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