CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- U.S. Army Garrison Benelux volunteers were honored April 4 during the annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony held on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium.
Volunteers spent time serving the community in activities such as child and youth events, family readiness groups and community recreation events.
"I can summarize our event with basically two words. These words are thank you," said Army Col. Sean Hunt Kuester, USAG Benelux garrison commander.
The winners of the 2019 Volunteers of the Year are divided into eight categories.
Service Member Volunteer of the Year: Army Sgt. Major Delonica Boyce
She served many volunteers hours for several organizations and causes and also devoted her time to the Boy Scouts, SHAPE Senior Scholarship Committee, SACEUR International NCO Group, organizations for Breast Cancer Awareness, and children's homes and orphanages.
Retiree Volunteer of the Year: Gerald Rats
He served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force and served another 23 years in civil service. He volunteered at the Chièvres Library for over 20 years. In 2018, he served over 180 volunteer hours.
Family Member of the Year: Roseann Cryer
She volunteered over 1,000 hours for the SHAPE Community Chapel and SHAPE Protestant Chapel.
Youth Volunteer of the Year: Xavier Armbruster
He volunteered over 600 hours with the Chièvres Library, Chièvres Animal Boarding Kennel, and the SHAPE International Library.
Organization Volunteer of the Year: Grandma's Attic
Grandma's Attic served the community in many ways. They resell much-needed items to community members at affordable prices. In 2018, Grandma's Attic donated $13,900 to the community, sponsoring events and providing scholarships for high school students.
MWR Volunteer of the Year: Cassandra Spohn
She served almost 200 volunteer hours over just a few months. She took pictures at numerous events, created brochures and an information book for Family and Morale, Welfare Recreation programs and events.
ACS Volunteer of the Year: Silvia Vazquez
She served almost 200 volunteer hours in just 10 months. She attended and assisted in every newcomers orientation and tour. She also prepared welcome packets for all USAG Benelux newcomers.
Overall Volunteer of the Year: Sofia Ziakri
She is the president of the SHAPE International Women's Club, vice president of the SHAPE Senior Scholarship Committee, treasurer of the SHAPE Travel Group, and assistant at the SHAPE Performing Arts Center. She served over 2,000 volunteer hours in 2018. In 2018, all volunteers have served a total of 61,925 hours. There will be two other ceremonies, in Brussels on May 16 and Schinnen on May 31.
Interested in serving your community? For more information about the Army Community Service's Army Volunteer Corps, please call DSN 366-6833 or +32(0)65-32-6833.
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