SUWON AIR BASE, South Korea - Family Readiness Group leaders and other families from the 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery were recognized by the battalion command group during a special volunteer appreciation luncheon at the dining facility here April 8.
The luncheon recognized the unit FRG leaders and other volunteers for their efforts and hard work in serving the Soldiers and families of the Iron Horse Battalion as well as the local community for the last 12 months.
Kimberly Slawson, the 6-52nd Air Defense Artillery Battalion Family Readiness Support Advisor, explained that the luncheon "was a great opportunity to show all of our volunteers just how much we appreciate them for what they do on a daily basis."
Fourteen FRG volunteers were recognized by the Iron Horse Battalion Command Group during the luncheon.
Each volunteer recognized during the luncheon received either a certificate of appreciation or a framed letter from the battalion command group.
The framed letter reads, "You [volunteers] have demonstrated to all of us that volunteering is not merely a word but a dedication to a higher calling ... your efforts and kindness have ensured that every member of the Iron Horse Battalion could enjoy a home away from home during their time here in the Republic of Korea."
"I am very thankful that I am appreciated as a volunteer," said Jobee Dumo, a military spouse and the FRG leader for Foxtrot Company, 6-52 Air Defense Artillery Battalion. "For me, volunteering is a sincere action of sharing knowledge, skill and time to all without asking anything in return."
Nicole Matthews, the FRG leader for Headquarters Battery, 6-52nd Air Defense Artillery Battalion, echoed similar sentiment. "I am ever grateful for the opportunity to serve the Soldiers and their Families here in Korea," said Matthews.
"A lot of times, volunteers are taken for granted," said Laurie Heath, the C Battery FRG leader for the 6-52nd Air Defense Artillery Battalion. "But this luncheon really made us feel special and appreciated."
All of the families recognized during the luncheon are active volunteers in FRG and local community events. Matthews, for example, was an avid participant of the Osan Library Reading Program, which served the children of military personnel stationed in the area.
Sgt. Jeffrey Matthews, husband of Nicole Matthews and the leader of the award-winning 8th Army culinary art team, prepared a delicious lunch menu for the volunteers to express his gratitude for their service.
"I also want to highlight my husband and my children." Nicole Matthews smiled and added, "We are a family full of volunteers."
Jobee Dumo also thanked her family, especially her husband, Capt. Leonard Dumo, the commander of Foxtrot Maintenance Company, during the luncheon.
"I want to emphasize my utmost gratitude to my husband [Leonard] because he is one great part of the cycle of volunteering, where in despite the challenges of military life, he and I both made it simple and easy to volunteer, to share and to help others."
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