CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea – Leaders across U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys gathered to recognize and honor volunteers around the garrison at the Volunteer of the Year ceremony, April 19, at Humphreys Riverbend Golf Course. Humphreys volunteers logged more than 60,000 service hours from January to December of 2022 - an estimated value of $1.8 million. Heather Ray, Family Morale Welfare and Recreation director, presented a check representing the amount to Lt. Gen. Willard Burleson, Eighth Army commander, and Col. Seth Graves, USAG Humphreys garrison commander.
Jeff Nagan, Humphreys public affairs officer, served as emcee of the event and said the long-dedicated hours the volunteers put in was the reason this year’s ceremony’s theme was important. The theme, “We Salute You: Shining a light on people and causes that inspire us to serve,” was a direct reminder of the importance of recognizing the men and women who serve the Humphreys’ community to make it better, said Nagan. Nagan compared the volunteers to "light" and the national flower of Korea, the rose of Sharon.
“The rose of Sharon has long been associated with beauty, hope and growth,” said Nagan. “It is a hearty plant that thrives in a variety of conditions. The same is said of our volunteers who have shown that resilience and dedication in service of our community. Similarly, light is a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration. It’s the light that brightens even the darkest corners to illuminate paths forward.”
There were 73 nominees for the five “Of the Year” categories: active duty, civilian employee, family member, youth, and Korean National. Together, Burleson and Graves recognized the winners' efforts. This year’s Volunteer of the Year awardees were:
• Active Duty – Sgt. 1st Class Gregory J. Glauber
• Civilian employee– Shaune Griffin, deputy human resources specialist with 1st Signal Brigade
• Family member– Jetta Allen
• Korean National – Song Nak-kwon
• Youth – Zoe Smith
Awardees received a marble paper weight, a bag from Army Community Service, and a certificate of appreciation signed by Graves and Command Sgt. Maj. Monty Drummond, USAG Humphreys senior listed adviser. The last award, a bronze bell, was presented to Shaune Griffin, the overall volunteer of the year, for his service as a coach and mentor.
“I am blown away,” said Griffin. “Coaching and mentoring are my passion. It’s just an honor to be recognized by my peers, family members and parents of the kids I coach. This lets me know I am doing something to make a difference. I want to thank them for the opportunity to mentor those young men and women.”
“We salute you for being the light that breathes life into the US Army Garrison community, and inspires others to grow, thrive, and bloom,” said Nagan as he ended the ceremony. “Your hard work and dedication serve as an inspiration to us all. Thank you.”
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