Volunteers honored at Fort Leonard Wood Community Forum

By Mr. Derek Gean (Leonard Wood)July 28, 2016

Volunteers honored at Fort Leonard Wood Community Forum
Col. Tracy Lanier, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander, far left, presents Chaplain (Capt.) Guido Gonzalez, his wife Jeanette and their children, the Volunteer of the Quarter Family award. Also pictured is Kathy Aydt, USAG Fort Leonard Woo... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Fort Leonard Wood Army Volunteer Corps recognized Volunteers of the Quarter for the months of April, May and June, Tuesday during the Community Forum at Pershing Community Center.

The following volunteers were recognized during the program:

Volunteer of the Quarter -- military

Sgt. Theresa Wambach received the Military Volunteer of the Quarter award in recognition of contributing more than 75 hours to the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. Wambach helped coordinate and supervise major installation events. She also volunteers at the St. James Veteran's Home and through the Great Circle organization. She helped prepare breakfast for children, and organized games and events for senior citizens.

"Sgt. Wambach's selfless service has increased the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club's ability to provide additional support to the Fort Leonard Wood community," said Megan O'Donoghue, director Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Services and Support Division and program emcee. "The unwavering devotion she has shown is greatly appreciated."

Volunteer of the Quarter --retiree

Duane Martin was awarded the Retiree Volunteer of the Quarter Award. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1961 and retiring from the Army in 1987, Martin has volunteered with scouting and youth programs for the past 16 years.

"His exemplary devotion has inspired acts of generosity and patriotism in others across the Fort Leonard Wood community," O'Donoghue said.

Volunteer of the Quarter -- civilian

Mary Stewart received the Civilian Volunteer of the Quarter award. Stewart contributed more than 250 volunteer hours, volunteering with the American Red Cross and General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.

"With her positive attitude, she has inspired others to volunteer," O'Donoghue said. "She is a responsible, dedicated worker and fast learner."

Volunteer of the Quarter -- Family

The Family Volunteer of the Quarter award went to Chaplain (Capt.) Guido Gonzalez, his wife Jeanette and their five children. The Family volunteered more than 100 hours during the quarter helping to boost the Religious Services Office's Wednesday Night Live Program, helping create a "safe, fun and educational atmosphere," O'Donoghue said.

Volunteer of the Quarter -- youth

The Youth Volunteer of the Quarter Award went to Kailynne Hutchings for her support of the Fort Leonard Wood USO. O'Donoghue said she went above and beyond to meet the needs of service members.

"Her great- spirit and enthusiasm has shown through her commitment by giving back to those who serve," O'Donoghue said.

Volunteer of Quarter -- Family Readiness Group Shining Star

The Family Readiness Group Shining Star Award was presented to Carrie Cobb for her service to the 84th Chemical Battalion and the 3rd Chemical Brigade.

"She is a dedicated volunteer, who is always first to volunteer to help, and last to complain about the hard work and long hours required to make things happen," O'Donoghue said. "During the last two seasons her leadership was truly validated through an unprecedented 82 percent volunteerism rate by spouses."

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Kathy Aydt, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood deputy commander, recognized the importance of volunteers to the installation.

"It's so important to have volunteers. It really expands the opportunities in our community," Aydt said.

Volunteer opportunities on Fort Leonard Wood are numerous. Rhonda Hutsell, Army Volunteer Corps coordinator, said the volunteer corps always welcomes new volunteers.

"Volunteerism stabilizes our installation and communities by contributing to community cohesion, increasing self-reliance, and enhancing the resilience of our military personnel and their Families," Hutsell said.

"The installation relies on volunteers to help support programs, which contribute to the well-being of all military personnel, retirees, Families, and civilians," she added.

For more information about volunteering on Fort Leonard Wood, call Hutsell at 573.596.0131, ext. 60212.

Related Links:

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Facebook

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood