Volunteers honored for 'planting seeds of kindness'

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  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Hundreds of Air Commandos gathered at the Soundside Club May 1 to recognize 50 individuals and groups as part of the 2013 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.

The ceremony, themed "Hurlburt Volunteers Plant the Seeds of Kindness," highlighted the combined contributions of volunteers to the military and local communities in 2012.

"Hurlburt volunteers truly plant the seeds of kindness," said Lindsey Laing, 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron and mistress of ceremonies. "They demonstrate selfless dedication, caring and compassion, by offering their time and talent on Hurlburt Field, as well as in the local community. Hurlburt volunteers endlessly, positively contribute, as well as undertake new ways of making a positive impact in the community. Unquestionably, Hurlburt volunteers are planting the seeds of kindness. Let us remember, all the flowers of  tomorrow are in the seeds of today." 

Last year, Hurlburt volunteers provided more than 235,000 hours of their own time, sparing the government, city councils, businesses and homes an estimated $5,214,324, measured in wages for a paid position.

"Our volunteers are the extraordinary people at Hurlburt Field who have a passion for bettering our lives and environment," said Marisa Olin, coordinator of the Volunteer Resource Program at the Airman & Family Center. "Our volunteers give their time, compassion, efforts, skills, passion and expertise to the volunteer projects and activities they participate in. Since each volunteer is unique, each volunteer makes a difference in their own modest way. Hurlburt Field volunteer efforts contribute to righting wrongs, guiding children, saving pets, visiting the lonely, distributing meals, driving someone safely home, lending an ear or simply sharing a smile. All of these efforts make our corner of the world - Hurlburt Field and the Emerald Coast - a little happier, healthier, safer, and simply a better place to live."

Active-Duty Angel Award
Tech. Sgt. Anthony Sanger, 14th Weapons Squadron 

Civilian Employee Angel Award
Matthew Terruso, 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron

Family Member Angel Award
Cassandra Floyd, Hurlburt Spouses Club  

Youth Angel Award
Ben Woodberry, 1st Special Operations Youth Group

Civilian from Community Angel Award
Wayne Smith, Hurlburt Tax Office

Team Angel Award
Hurlburt Spouses Club

Volunteer Excellence Award
Giles Adcock, Hurlburt Spouses Club & Hurlburt Thrift Shop


According to the awards' descriptions, the Angel Award is a prestigious award that was established by Eunice Welch, wife of retired General Larry D. Welch, Former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, to recognize up to six individuals and one team for their outstanding volunteer contributions to military installations during the previous calendar year.

The Volunteer Excellence Award was established by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force to recognize up to four individuals annually for their long-term outstanding volunteer contributions to any military installation and its surrounding communities. This is an esteemed, once-in-a lifetime honor. Nominees can be: federal civilians, military family members, military retirees or federal retirees.