SCOTT AFB, ILL -- Brenda Seubert from the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s 838th Transportation Battalion was one of seven individuals presented with the Department of Defense Spirit of Hope award during a ceremony held in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, Sept. 14, 2023.
For more than 50 years, comedian and actor Bob Hope brought laughter to the front lines, displaying extraordinary generosity and compassion for the American Soldier. The Spirit of Hope award celebrates Hope’s legacy of selfless service and dedicated commitment by recognizing individuals and organizations throughout the DoD who selflessly contribute an extraordinary amount of time, talent and resources to significantly improve the quality of life for servicemembers around the world.
Every year, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and the office of the Secretary of Defense nominate one individual or organization whose patriotism and service to members of the Armed Forces reflect the patriotism and service of Mr. Hope. Seubert was this year’s Army award recipient.
“The people we honor today will inspire you,” said Honorable Ashish Vazirani, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and presenter of the awards. “Bob Hope was always dedicated to supporting our nation’s military (and) our recipients before us today carry on the legacy left for us by Bob Hope in serving those who protect our nation.”
According to her award nomination packet, Seubert selflessly contributed an extraordinary amount of time in the service of the Kaiserslautern Military Community by volunteering in schools and by assisting Ukrainian refugees living in Poland during November of 2022.
During that time, Seubert volunteered to take part in a mission trip to the Eilm Christian Center in Lwowek Slaski, Poland. Along with her local Kaiserslautern church group, she helped care for the physical and spiritual needs of the local Polish community while also aiding 75 Ukrainian refugees fleeing from the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
Kristina O’Brien, SDDC’s Deputy to the Commanding General and senior civilian, was on hand to support Seubert and assist with the award presentation.
“The Spirit of Hope Award provides a tremendous opportunity to recognize the incredible volunteer contributions made by these deserving recipients,” said O’Brien, “and it was such an honor to have SDDC’s Brenda Seubert represent the Army.”
Following the ceremony, O’Brien also presented Seubert with an SDDC coin and congratulatory note from Commanding General Maj. Gen. Gavin Lawrence.
Seubert, a former Marine who began her federal civilian career in 2007, serves as the Administrative Officer for the 838th Transportation Battalion, headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Seubert’s commander, Lt. Col. James Acevedo, is exceptionally proud of her achievement.
“What Brenda has accomplished is wonderful,” he said, “and it is representative of all those who go out of their way to enhance the quality of life of our service members.”
Acevedo added he is pleased Seubert was nominated for the award by a Soldier, noting it “highlights that our service members really do value and appreciate the sacrifices made by our civilian workforce.”
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