REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Military leaders recognized volunteers April 17 during the 34th annual Installation Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. For Redstone Arsenal's senior commander, this was an opportunity to thank those working to improve the community.
"Many of you are either currently serving in uniform or once served, and many more are members of our great military families - the true heroes," Lt. Gen. Ed Daly, Army Materiel Command deputy commander and Redstone Arsenal's senior commander, said. "I think the spirit that motivated you or your loved ones to serve in the armed forces is also the spirit that motivates you to volunteer on the Arsenal -- and that's what makes this community so great, and that's why we're here today."
Daly said 800 people volunteered for 44,000 hours this past year. Those volunteers served in organizations like the American Red Cross, Army Community Service, Redstone Garden Club and others. He thanked members from 16 organizations who gave back to the Redstone community.
"You keep this installation running, and you are always there ready to welcome new arrivals, and quite frankly, you're worth more than your weight in gold," Daly said.
Organizations had the opportunity to select volunteers for two different awards, saluting their service to the community this past year. Two Helping Hands Honorees were selected, as well as a Volunteer of the Year. Volunteers were selected based on the hours of service they performed and the impact they had on their organizations.
Among the recipients, Melody Mansker was selected as a Helping Hands Honoree for her work with Redstone Arsenal Military and Civilians Club. Retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 Anwarul "Andy" Haq was selected by both the Redstone Arsenal Retiree Council and the U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association as Volunteer of the Year.
This luncheon was held in conjunction with National Volunteer Week. Here is a full list of the honorees:
Helping Hand Honorees
* Rose Mary Bayer and Braxton Butler, American Red Cross at Fox Army Health Center
* Bridgette Hird and Beth Watts, Army Community Service
* Sarah O'Hara and Samantha Swieszcz, MWR Arts & Crafts
* Johnnie Irby and Greg Knight, Child, Youth and School Services
* Phyllis Hopson and Gloria Mendez-Green, the Links golf course
* Carrie Curtis and Raina Verser, MWR Library
* John Fairlamb and Bruce Robinson, Military Officers of America Association
* Melody Mansker and Kerrie Sheppard, Redstone Arsenal Military and Civilians Club
* Donell Pelt and Bruce Robinson, Redstone Arsenal Retiree Council
* Reginald Battle and Wilene Orr, Redstone Arsenal Sergeants Major Association
* Andrea Carey and Hiltraut Knox, Redstone Garden Club
* Keith Langewisch and Clarissa Lewis, U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association
* Harold Laetsch, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Volunteers of the Year
* Kenneth Spencer, American Red Cross at Fox Army Health Center
* Carolyn McGlamry, Army Community Service
* Nayeli Coman-Ubiles, Child, Youth and School Services
* Kathleen Stirling, the Links golf course
* Richard West, Military Officers of America Association
* Stephanie Walburn, Redstone Arsenal Military and Civilians Club
* Anwarul Haq, Redstone Arsenal Retiree Council and U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association
* Jennifer Hames, Redstone Garden Club
* Donell Pelt, Redstone Arsenal Sergeants Major Association
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