FORT RILEY, Kan. — The 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley held a Volunteer of the Year Ceremony on April 21, 2022, at the Riley Conference Center.
The ceremony was held to recognize Big Red One Soldiers and local Fort Riley community members who have invested countless hours and resources to the installation and community through volunteering within the last year.
"I proudly serve with the most capable, lethal, and resilient Soldiers and alongside the most selfless, dedicated, and compassionate volunteers in the United States Army," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Frank Stanco, the acting senior commander of Fort Riley.
During the ceremony, over 40 Soldiers and community members were nominated in six different Volunteer of the Year categories, and the winner of each category was placed in the running to become the Fort Riley Installation Volunteer of the Year.
"Our volunteers inspire us to serve," said Stanco. "They strengthen the connection between our military community and our local civilian population. They are the rare individuals who take time to address the needs of others before their own."
The Active Duty Soldier Volunteer of the Year was Sgt. 1st Class Hannah Nunley, the Military Youth Volunteer of the Year was Melia Taylor, the Retiree Volunteer of the Year was Verona Jackson, the Department of the Army Civilian Volunteer of the Year was Maricel Gibson, the Military Family Volunteers of the Year were Chris and Amanda Stewart.
In addition, Monica Basset was the Adult Family Member Volunteer of the Year and the Fort Riley Installation Volunteer of the Year.
"This ceremony was humbling and exciting for me," said Basset. "It's an amazing feeling to see the youth and young Soldiers doing wonderful things for their community. It's truly all I want and why I serve."
Over the past year, Basset has accumulated over 1,200 volunteer hours, directly supporting and impacting Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division. She currently volunteers on the Fort Riley Spouses Club Executive and Governing Boards while simultaneously heading their Grant Committee and the Community Outreach Chair.
"Although my husband and I are moving to another duty station soon, my volunteer efforts will continue," said Basset, who is also the 2020-2021 U.S. Army Spouse of the Year. "It's my dream to do something with Fort Riley for food and security for families in need, so it doesn't stop here."
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