WEST POINT, N.Y. — In a distinguished ceremony at the Association of the United States Army’s 2023 Annual Meeting and Exposition, Lt. Col. Robert “Jody” Shipley, joined by his wife Emily and their children Grace, Gage, and Hailey, received the esteemed title of AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year for their exceptional dedication to volunteering in and around Fort Cavazos, Texas.
The West Point community gained a wonderful team, as Shipley arrived in mid-August to serve as the deputy commander for quality and safety at Keller Army Community Hospital.
“The Shipley family is committed to involvement and service wherever they are planted,” said KACH Commander Col. Brianna Perata. “Keller Army Community Hospital and the greater West Point community are fortunate to welcome them to our team.”
The Shipley family moved to West Point about two months ago, and they already enjoy living on post, where they have beautiful views of the Hudson River and appreciate the small-town community feel.
“We fell in love with the neighborhood immediately upon arrival,” said Shipley. “The neighborhood is very picturesque and ideal, full of families and great neighbors with children of all ages. … The history and heritage of the U.S. Military Academy is simply second-to-none. … But above all, we have found the small-town atmosphere here a delight and something we did not expect.”
Jody Shipley and Emily Shipley were raised in families that emphasized giving back to their local communities. They credit being blessed in their own lives as a motivation for why they choose to give to others as a way to “pay it forward,” all while including their children.
“Volunteer work is a way for us to help our community, be good role models for our children and serve our Lord,” said Emily Shipley. “As parents, we find it extremely rewarding when our kids give their time and resources on their own accord. It is amazing to see how they personally grow from those experiences.”
When asked what it felt like to receive such a prestigious honor from AUSA, Shipley said that he found it extremely humbling and slightly embarrassing. Like many dedicated volunteers, he emphasized that their service is driven not by the desire for recognition, but rather, it is an integral part of their identity.
“We are so very honored to receive the AUSA Family Volunteer of the Year Award,” said Shipley. “The AUSA Convention in D.C. was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget, and we realize this nomination and award could serve as a platform to encourage others to serve in whatever capacity they are able to serve.”
The family had the opportunity to meet with the Secretary of the Army, the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Sergeant Major of the Army, and the Surgeon General, who all took the time to speak with the children about what they gained from their experience volunteering.
“The exposure to great leaders within the Army on such a personal level was amazing,” said Shipley. “The Army is a huge organization, but these leaders made it personal with deliberate discussions with our kids. We will never forget that.”
As the Shipley family settles into their new home, they have wasted no time seeking new opportunities to become involved and integrated within West Point and the local community.
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