"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?" – Martin Luther King, Jr.
On April 14, 2022, personnel gathered at the Fort Detrick Community Activities Center to celebrate and honor 151 Soldiers, family members, retirees, and civilians that have selflessly served the community with their time, gifts, and talents, adding up to over 8,200 hours, saving a whopping $234,627.34.
This year’s Army Volunteer Appreciation Week theme is “We Salute You: Shining a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve.”
Brig. Gen. Anthony McQueen, commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command and Fort Detrick, welcomed attendees and spoke to the volunteers thanking them for their efforts.
“It’s never been more important that we have folks who help each other. And it starts with volunteerism, stepping up and helping a friend in need, in today’s time; it couldn’t be more important,” said McQueen.
It is commendable that even in the midst of a pandemic, the resilience and dedication of our volunteers continue to enhance and strengthen our community.
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen’s representative, Ms. Naki Frierson, read citations to the three Volunteer of the Year award recipients. The Senator congratulated the awardees and thanked them for their hard work, service to the local community and our Nation.
Fort Detrick volunteers have served the National Museum of Health and Medicine, the Fort Detrick Chapel, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, A Company 53rd Signal Battalion, the 21st Signal Brigade, Child and Youth Services, and the Sergeants Audie Murphy Club.
Organizations can request volunteers through the Army Volunteer Coordinator and utilize the Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) at www.armyfamilywebportal.com to post their positions.
If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, visit VMIS - Opportunities
Envelopes, please….
And the awards for Volunteer of the Year goes to…
Sgt. Nylab Ahmady, Fort Detrick’s Service Member Volunteer of the Year.
Sgt. 1st Class (ret) Marco Carrington, Fort Detrick’s Retired Military Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.
Mr. Lamar Reese, Fort Detrick’s Civilian Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.
Of special note, Ms. Marcia Pennington received the coveted Volunteer Service Gold Pin from the President of the United States. To receive a gold pin, the recipient must volunteer over 500 hours. That is quite the accomplishment. To all of the volunteers, thank you for your service to the community and to our Nation.
Social Sharing