USAG Japan Volunteer Recognition Ceremony: 'All of it matters'

By Noriko Kudo, U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public AffairsSeptember 15, 2026

USAG Japan Volunteer Recognition Ceremony: 'All of it matters'
Community members attend USAG Japan’s Volunteer Recognition Ceremony held Sept. 14 at the Camp Zama Community Club. The annual event honored more than 200 volunteers for their contributions and selfless service throughout the year. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - “Where we see a need, we like to fill it,” said Lindsey Wine, who was among more than 200 community volunteers recognized during U.S. Army Garrison Japan’s Volunteer Recognition Ceremony held Sept. 14 at the Camp Zama Community Club.

USAG Japan Volunteer Recognition Ceremony: 'All of it matters'
Lindsey Wine, left, and her family pose for a photo during USAG Japan’s Volunteer Recognition Ceremony held Sept. 14 at the Camp Zama Community Club. More than 200 community members were recognized during the event for their dedicated service across the installation. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original

Wine and her husband, Staff Sgt. Derek Wine, assigned to the 765th Transportation (Terminal) Battalion, established and led a weekly children's ministry to fill an unmet need in the community.

USAG Japan Volunteer Recognition Ceremony: 'All of it matters'
Community members attend USAG Japan’s Volunteer Recognition Ceremony held Sept. 14 at the Camp Zama Community Club. The annual event honored more than 200 volunteers for their contributions and selfless service throughout the year. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original

Reflecting on the collective spirit of service in the room, Wine emphasized that every contribution counts.

USAG Japan Volunteer Recognition Ceremony: 'All of it matters'
Community members attend USAG Japan’s Volunteer Recognition Ceremony held Sept. 14 at the Camp Zama Community Club. The annual event honored more than 200 volunteers for their contributions and selfless service throughout the year. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original

“All of it matters, no matter what you do — from the smallest thing to the biggest thing,” she said. “If you put your time into something willingly, without a reason — that’s a volunteer.”