HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, HAWAII--The 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command held a Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at the officer club located at Hickam Air Force Base on April 26, 2012.
The ceremony was held to recognize the volunteer efforts of the Soldiers, civilians and family members of the 94th AAMDC.
"As a result of their hard work and dedication, they have ultimately improved the lives of
underprivileged civilians by cleaning up neighborhoods and providing services to the community through churches, schools and neighborhood groups which would otherwise go unfunded, " said Brig. Gen. James Dickinson, the 94th AAMDC Commander.
Combined, the volunteers worked over 5000 hours in 2011 while helping to raise funds for unit organizations, local partnerships and installations activities totaling over $4000. Some of the volunteer services rendered helped community organizations including Linapuni Elementary School Outreach, MWR youth sports, Junior ROTC, Makahi Pahili Emergency Exercises and Honolulu Humane Society.
"Volunteering just feels like the right thing to do," said Mr. Ralph L. Miranda, a 94th AAMDC help desk system administrator and an Aiea, Hawaii native. "I started volunteering with disaster preparedness to keep my family safe but it grew into much more."
One benefit of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together.
"I felt honored when I found out I was being recognized," said SGT 1st Class Justin Thorp, the 94th AAMDC command group noncommissioned officer in charge and a Kaneohe, Hawaii native. "Volunteering is important because it helps strengthen our community."
"I felt surprised that I was recognized because I had no idea," said Sgt. Kenneth Kirby Jr.,
an Oakland, Calif. native and the 94th AAMDC's G4 property book noncommissioned officer in charge. "I started volunteering when I heard about what Soldiers did to help the kids and I decided I would love to help the kids in any way I can."
Volunteering provides hope and encouragement to people, it also promotes personal growth. The volunteering experience is another act of selfless service in which Soldiers and their families are allowed to give back to the communities that they temporarily make their homes until another change of duty station happens.
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