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 July 16, 2024.
Col. Andrew Kiser, Deputy Commanding Officer for Support, 82nd Airborne Division, hosted the ceremony and presented each volunteer with a Certificate of Appreciation for their contributions.
Ashley Trujillo received an award for her exemplary service as the SFRG representative for Cobra Company, 2-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. She dedicated more than 300 hours of her personal time to enhancing the lives and well-being of the Cobra Company Paratroopers and their Families. Her efforts included overseeing the fundraising of more than $2,000 for the SFRG and consistently volunteering at battalion and MWR events.
When asked what she found most rewarding about volunteering Trujillo said, “Volunteering makes my soul happy… When my husband joined the army there was nobody to lean on. I decided very quickly that I didn't want anybody else to feel the way I did.”
Jake Lohr was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He dedicated 100 hours of his personal time to assist with unit SFRG and various community events. In addition to supporting the companies’ SFRG, he serves as the PTA President at the School of Hope.
Lohr spoke about his PTA experience, “The smiles and laughter and just the sheer joy that those kids experienced from me putting in a silly costume and taking a couple hours out of my day is something I'll carry with me.”
Sgt. Johnathan Lovegren, assigned to 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, was recognized for his selfless dedication in volunteering over 300 service hours through the BOSS program. Additionally, he committed more than 100 hours to support an annual suicide awareness run in Fayetteville, which is organized every September by the non-profit "Through Tragedy Comes Light." He also participated in several Purple Heart sign dedications.
“Seeing the joy in other peoples' faces, I don't volunteer for my own recognition or to even get awarded,” Lovegren replied when asked about what he enjoyed the most about volunteering. “I just do it to see everything I can do for other people.”
Rachael Searles proved to be a critical team member of Charlie Company, 122th Aviation Support Battalion. She sacrificed her time to ensure the needs of the Paratroopers were met. Rachael assisted Charlie Company to prepare for deployment by volunteering as the company SFRG coordinator during the unit’s deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) and Operation Spartan Shield (OSS). Rachael coordinated morale events such as company bingo nights, cookouts, and holiday activities.
When asked about the most rewarding part of volunteering, Searles stated, “We have been here for so long, for us it's home, so I find it rewarding to help bring them into the fold and show them the good parts of Fort Liberty.”
Courtney McDougall-Chu is an inspirational leader and active member within the 2-504th Parachute Infantry Regiment SFRG . During All American Week 2024, she planned and executed a fundraiser for the battalion by selling food, drinks, and White Devil merchandise. She also raised $3,756 at sports events. McDougall-Chu reinvigorated her unit’s SFRG program by motivating others to participate through her example.
When asked if there was anything learned from volunteering, McDougall-Chu said, “Making sure that the command team understands that we have to find that right balance and we have to find the balance between the work and the play and making sure that these guys know that we care enough to give them that home life feel.”
Spc. Robynn Oblepias, assigned to 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, dedicated her weekends and free time to the Fayetteville Protection Society (FAPS). She worked alongside other volunteers as a Pooch Pal, a vital role in a dog’s adoption process. While working at FAPS, her time was spent giving the dogs frequent exercise, attention and socialization, making them more adoptable. Oblepias was unable to attend the ceremony due to a PCS move and 2nd Lt. Cadhan McGahan, Command Family Readiness Representative for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3-319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, accepted the honor on her behalf.
“Volunteering was my way of meeting people and figuring out new ways to make the most out of my time," Oblepias said prior to her PCS. "I've learned new skills, I've met new people, and whether you do it for a good cause or just because you want to meet new people, you can't just not benefit from volunteering."
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