FORT BLISS, Texas-The 1st Armored Division Artillery held a volunteer recognition ceremony May 5 at the Family Readiness Center on Fort Bliss.
The event was coordinated to show appreciation and recognize approximately 30 Soldiers and spouses who offered countless hours of their own time helping various organizations and causes throughout the installation and El Paso community throughout 2016.
Command Sgt. Major John P. Condliffe, senior enlisted advisor for DIVARTY, was the host of the ceremony and displayed his gratitude to the volunteers by presenting them with certificates.
"All the things you do for the community, our Soldiers and all of the families in the organization, is outstanding work," said Condliffe. "To recognize you today, we're going to give you certificates to show a small token of our appreciation for all that you do."
The DIVARTY Volunteer of the Year was awarded to a Sheila Nielsen from Battery B., 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment for her outstanding performance in establishing the Battalion's FRG.
Nielsen, the Dacula, Georgia native, said she came in blind and spent numerous hours reading handbooks the Army Community Service provided to help her learn her role to be an effective leader. She also took multiple classes, such as Army Family Team Building and a treasury course to help with the funds that have been raised.
For her efforts, she received the Commander's Award for public service, Iron Soldier award and a DIVARTY pin.
She was unaware she would be receiving this year's Volunteer of the Year award but is thankful for being recognized.
"It made me feel really good to know that my efforts are being appreciated," said Neilson. "I don't volunteer for myself, I do it to lift up the guys who are putting in all of the hard work."
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