JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Volunteers donate their time and talents to help others year round, asking nothing in return. The impact to the community is immeasurable.
"It's very important to let them know how much they are appreciated," said Lori Parker, Army Volunteer Corps program manager.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord understands the impact volunteers have on the quality of life on the base. So, Parker said, it was a pleasure to celebrate National Volunteer Week, the third week of April, with special activities and to invite volunteers to a free Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.
The 2010 luncheon was held Wednesday at the American Lake Community Center, and culminated in the announcement of the Volunteers of the Year for 2010.
Of the 42 volunteers nominated, those selected were:
Aca,!Ac Retiree Volunteer of the Year - Joyce Daniel
Aca,!Ac Family of the Year - the Elmore family
Aca,!Ac Active Duty Volunteer of the Year - Sgt. Jeremiah Harcourt
Aca,!Ac Adult Volunteer of the Year - Jodi Petit
Aca,!Ac Volunteers of Merit - April Sall, Crystal Hatch, Maj. William Burden, Joan Breitinger, Staff Sgt. Luis Maldonado, Cinda Kirker, Kelly White, John Franklin.
"This year's theme was "Volunteers ... Build A Better World" and that's certainly true of Joint Base Lewis-McChord volunteers because they have become such an integral part of the community," Parker said.
In 2009, JBLM volunteers contributed more than 161,000 hours to many customer-oriented services on the installation.
"The community spirit and tremendous support the volunteers bring to Joint Base Lewis-McChord add tremendously to the success of many services that could not exist without them," Parker said.
Installation volunteers contribute hundreds of hours to local schools, the American Red Cross, the Thrift Shop, family readiness groups, key spouses, museums, Army Community Service, chapels and many other organizations.
"Our community is very fortunate to have a large volunteer corps of dedicated and committed volunteers," Parker said. "Our volunteers continue to provide valuable contributions. They touch the lives of many service members, families, retirees and civilians daily.
"They truly make Joint Base Lewis-McChord a wonderful place to live, work, and play," Parker said.
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