Eight Presidio of Monterey community members were honored June 24 with a ceremony for outstanding volunteerism at Ord Military Community.
Presented by POM garrison commander Col. Darcy Brewer and POM Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the annual event saw in attendance Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Family members that reside and play a part in the shaping of the community through partnerships with the Army Community Services at Presidio.
Center for Information Dominance Detachment-Monterey's Seaman John K. Costello won in the active duty military category for his 421 off-duty hours in various functions, notably his help in cataloging the Monterey American Legion's collection of war memorabilia.
"(I) wanted to contribute to veteran's awareness and veteran's history awareness," said Costello.
He said his time with the American Legion was something that was more than just volunteering. "I think it is important to know the people that passed their torch to us," he said. "And talking to the members and seeing the collection makes the history more vivid."
Costello also thanked his command for allowing service members the opportunity to go out and volunteer.
"The CIDD-M creates an environment for people just coming out of boot camp to go out and help," Costello said. "They make it very available to us."
Eighteen-year-old Cody Rhodes, a recent graduate of Seaside High School and former member of their Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps was honored for his volunteering in a myriad of functions such as collecting clothing and food for the battered women's shelter and babysitting.
"I want to give something back to my community," said Rhodes, after receiving his certificate in the Teen/Youth category for outstanding volunteer work.
"It makes me feel good at the end of the day to help in peoples' lives," he added.
For Costello and Rhodes, volunteering brought more than just the recognition from the ceremony.
"Many of my friends come from volunteering," said Rhodes. "I've gotten awards before (Rhodes earned an Eagle Scout badge for his work), but volunteering is more rewarding than the award itself."
"It is very good to see our time come into fruition (Costello spearheaded and organized an exhibition of the war memorabilia at the American Legion and the Presidio of Monterey)," said Costello.
"And it's not just me, but there are others that when presented with the opportunity will take the time and help ..."
Other volunteers recognized at this event were: Ahmad Caracalla, School/Educator category; Gordon and Jeanne Nakagawa, Retiree/Civilian; Daphne Feeney, Military Spouse; Air Force Staff Sgt. Mark and wife Jennifer Brown, Military Family; D'Angelo Kidd, adult youth volunteer; The Mayoral Program, Group/Organization.
Winners received a framed certificate with a Presidio of Monterey Garrison coin.
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