Fort Liberty, N.C. – The 82nd Airborne Division recognized six new volunteers for their tremendous impact on the Division and the surrounding community during a ceremony held at the Division’s Culinary Arts Training Center on Apr. 16, 2024.
The ceremony was hosted by Brig. Gen. Andrew Saslav, Deputy Commanding General - Operations of the 82nd Airborne Division, while Maj. Gen. Pat Work, Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division, attended remotely via video, as they awarded each recipient with a Certificate of Appreciation.
“Using your free time to help others is the best thing to do but isn't always the most fun thing to do. But it's helping others to make their lives easier and make them enjoy being in the Army.” said Pfc. Clark.
Pfc. Clark Mahler received the award for his work as the 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade BOSS alternate representative. He continuously volunteered for numerous events within the BOSS program across the installation, attending monthly BOSS meetings, and hosting brigade BOSS meetings. He also worked with Fort Liberty to develop new events for Soldiers across the installation.
“It's just an honor to serve this long line of volunteers who have helped make the 82nd Airborne Division what it is and what it has been for all these years here in America and throughout the world.” said Mrs. Van Horn.
Mrs. Georgiana Van Horn was awarded for being an indispensable asset to the Red Devil SFRG this past quarter. As the SFRG coordinator for the Headquarters company, she is the subject matter expert in all things SFRG for the company’s families. Mrs. Van Horn was regularly called upon for questions and guidance regarding this quarter’s Joint Readiness Training Center rotation and the upcoming Immediate Response Force readiness cycle.
“I love my country and I love our Soldiers, and as a wife, I feel like this is my heart in it to volunteer and give back to show the Soldiers support where they need it the most.” said Mrs. Link.
Mrs. Danielle Link received the award for her service to the 2-319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment and HHB. She serves the community through her volunteer work with the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and the Fort Liberty Spouses Club (FLSC). Mrs. Link is also the Battalion Volunteer Coordinator for all Military Family Programs and Events as a Ft. Liberty Area Gifts (FLAG) Consignor Coordinator/Volunteer Chair.
“It's just a humble opportunity to be able to experience serving alongside our soldiers and their families.” said Mrs. Wardlaw.
Mrs. Veronica Wardlaw received the award for her hard work as the head coordinator for the SFRG program. When a Paratrooper was injured while deployed, she did not hesitate to assist the Paratrooper’s family as part of the 1-17th Care Team. She also coordinated with other units within the brigade to plan a spring event and egg hunt for the families. Mrs. Wardlaw logged over 40 hours of volunteer hours this quarter.
When asked about what she was most enthusiastic about doing, Mrs. Fias responded, “Getting to know the Paratroopers and their families and supporting them in different ways.”
Mrs. Katie Fias received the award for her proven selflessness and generosity to 1-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment for the past two years. She was instrumental in fundraising for the battalion ball, which was a massive success due to volunteers like her. She coordinated for the battalion’s Dog Company to attend Fayetteville minor league hockey and baseball games at no cost.
Not only does 2nd Lt. Moorehead go out of her way to build meaningful relationships with her Soldiers, but
2nd Lt. Kaitlyn Moorehead is a hands-on leader who leads from the front and supports the paratroopers of 1-325th Airborne Infantry Regiment with unparalleled devotion. She received the award for her volunteer work, which includes over 40 hours at the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina, and 20 hours at Manna Church. She provides visitor services by greeting and interacting with guests, guiding visitors around the museum, and answering questions regarding the museum to foster the airborne culture and legacy in the community.
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