The United States Army Garrison Daegu Annual Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony took place at the Camp Walker Evergreen Club on April 27. It was a time to thank everybody who dedicated their time and effort to the Area IV Community.

"We appreciate all the hard work that our volunteers have done," said William Butcher, USAG Daegu deputy to the Garrison commander. "On behalf of Col. Ted Stephens, Command Sgt. Maj. Juan Abreu, and the whole team of Area IV we thank you for what you do in this great community."
The ceremony awarded those who put the community's needs before their own needs, not only active duty military but also Family Members, Department of the Army Civilians, retirees, Korean Nationals and children. The Volunteer of Year were volunteers who contributed exceptionally to the community. They were:

In the Youth Category
The winner was Laila Donawa. She volunteered at Kyungpook National University Medical Therapy outreach and bake sale, Love & Hope orphanage, reading tutor, Cancer Walk and Winter Christmas Cantata. Lalia also serves as an Assistant Sunday School Teacher, Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed and the Area IV Praise Dance Team.

In the Active Duty category
The winners were Lt. Col. Tony Dedmond and Staff Sgt. Shelvia Greene. Lt. Col. Dedmond volunteered to coach multiple sports for children and youth within the community. His positive attitude and relentless dedication positively influenced the members of his teams and other coaches as well.

Staff Sgt. Greene volunteered as a Cheerleading Coach for USAG Daegu High School, Football and Basketball seasons. She also assists at the Orphanage for Special Needs Children most Sundays.

In the Family Member category
The winner was Robert Chamberlain. Chamberlain volunteered in Child & Youth Services Sports, Cub Scouts, Defense Logistics Agency and Family Readiness Group Advisor, the Daegu Civilian Spouses Club, Executive board member and mentor to Junior Officers and NCOs. In just 5 months, he averaged over 587 volunteer hours.

In the DA Civilian category
The winner was Abigail Abbot. As an Echo Company's outgoing FRG leader, Abbot planned and executed three Turkey Bowls, four marathons and two Soldiers' Ball Social events. She contributed greatly in making Echo Company's fundraising a huge success and averaged over 466 volunteer hours.

In the Retiree category
The winner was Paulette Sanford. As a Treasurer for the DCSC and Apple Tree, Sanford averaged over 500 volunteer hours. She single handedly revamped, automated and reconciled the books and inventories for the Apple Tree Thrift and Gift shop.

In the Korean National category
The winner was Kim, Po-yong. Ms. Kim led a huge effort in bringing in thousands of dollars in donations. This money helped to award $15,500 in scholarships and almost $15,000 in welfare that directly impacted USAG Daegu community.

After the Award, Butcher announced the total worth of the 103,612 hours volunteered by presenting a big check. This was greeted by cheers from the crowd. The volunteer hours from USAG Daegu equaled $2,441,098.70.