ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. - Ahoy, mateys! Pirates abounded at the depot's annual Volunteer Recognition April 15.
Despite the turbulent wind and weather outside, the Berman Varner House was decked out for celebration as Army Community Services said thank you to those who gave of their time and talents during 2010.
"We want you all to realize that volunteers are a treasure," said Cindy Taylor, volunteer coordinator for the depot.
According to Taylor, depot volunteers gave 2,900 hours of their time during 2010, serving at the Child Development Center, the Making Tracks 5K/duathlon, the Army Emergency Relief golf tournament, blood drives and at the ACS center.
"It's not just about volunteering; it's about you freely rendering your service and your time to support an organization," said Jack Cline, deputy to the commander, as he spoke to the crowd. "One of your most precious commodities is time, so I want to say thank you for supporting this organization by giving of your time."
April is National Volunteer Month, so it was appropriate for ACS to choose this time of year to show their thanks to their volunteers.
"You have a choice of how to give your time, talent and your attitude," said Audrey Tinkey of AOD Federal Credit Union.
Tinkey was the guest speaker for the event and was also the 2010 recipient of the Brenda Dozier-Hollis Chairman's Cup, an award given annually by the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce to their top volunteer of the year.
She reminded those present that volunteering doesn't have to take up every minute of a person's free time; it can easily be woven into your day.
"You don't have to devote your life to service, though I know many of you already do," said Tinkey. "You volunteer when you take the time to care for the person next to you, whether you know them or not."
During the celebration, Jack Sparrow, better known as realtor Joey Crews, made the rounds and the 46 volunteers present were each recognized, as were four special treasures.
The Judy Ivey Retiree of the Year award was given to Mark Busby for his work with the depot's blood drives. The Youth Volunteer of the Year is Kiana Banks. Kristen Schwartz was named ACS Volunteer of the Year and Elvin Keller is the Army Corp Volunteer of the Year.
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