Members of the U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal Army Volunteer Corps gathered at the Detroit Arsenal today to celebrate and recognize all of the volunteers that gave their time and talent in 2015.
The ceremony highlighted the tremendous work of the Volunteer Corps and the astonishing number of hours that volunteers contribute each year. The number of volunteer hours donated to military causes in 2015 totaled 27,912 hours. This equals approximately $644k savings to the installation.
Special tribute was paid to two outstanding Volunteers of the Year. They both received a Two-Star Note and a plaque.
The first recognition was the Youth Volunteer of the Year - Malik Aberdeen. Aberdeen willingly labored in the gardens at the Detroit Arsenal Child Development Center. He shaped the gardens through the planning, execution, and clean up stages this past year. Aberdeen's work ethic serves as a lesson for youth to follow as a teen leader in the program.
"His outgoing demeanor to other youth volunteers and staff is one that keeps the community service event's atmosphere energetic and productive," stated Karen Nemeth, Army Volunteer Corps coordinator. "He is a credit to our organization. He will be graduating high school this year and moving onto a career in the United States Air Force."
The second special tribute was for the adult Volunteer of the Year, Kassandra Pacheco. Pacheco has been an instrumental volunteer for the past five years. She organized, set-up and ran the entire Detroit Arsenal Appreciation day volunteer room as well as volunteering in other areas for a total of eight years.
Each volunteer recognized today received a lapel pin, a photograph with Garrison Manger Alan Parks and Deputy Garrison Manager Sam Hillhouse, and a certificate of appreciation along with recognition in the program booklet that noted their hours donated.
Maj. Gen. Clark LeMasters, commanding general, TACOM Life Cycle Management Command spoke to the volunteers about their service and thanked them for their time and all that they do.
"To the volunteers that we've recognized today, congratulations to you," stated LeMasters. "The Army and Department of Defense just can't function without that extra volunteer work."
If you are interested in joining the Army Volunteer Corps please visit www.myarmyonesource.com or contact Karen Németh, Volunteer Corps Program Manager at karen.e.nemeth.civ@mail.mil
Upcoming events and opportunities to volunteer include the USAG-DTA Organizational Day in August and other fun summer events.
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