Hurlburt's angels on earth honored

Published May 2, 2012
By Raquel Sanchez
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Hurlburt Field recognized the contributions made by volunteers from the base and local community during a volunteer recognition ceremony at the Soundside Club May 1.

This year, Hurlburt Field's volunteers donated more than 232,000 hours of their time working with more than 100 organizations throughout the base and surrounding community. Their volunteer efforts helped save the Hurlburt community $5,056,653.

"They don't do it because of some personal gain," said Col. Jim Slife, commander of 1st Special Operations Wing. "They do it because of the sense of service, the sense of community, because of the satisfaction of giving to something larger than themselves."

Each volunteer received a certificate and coin from 1st SOW leadership for their volunteer contributions.

"I try to make my mark in the world, to make it better," said Jinah Burman, Special Operations Youth Group. "Hopefully other people will see my actions and want to do the same."

The Angel Award recognizes volunteers for their accomplishments and selfless contributions made over a 12-month period. The Volunteer Excellence Award recognizes volunteers for their long-term volunteer contributions.

The 2011 Angel Award and Volunteer Excellence Award winners for each respective category are:

Active-duty
Master Sgt. Jessika Hickman, 1st Special Operations Mission Support Squadron

Civilian employee
Jamie Haig, 319th Special Operations Squadron

Family member
Julie Miller, Hurlburt Spouses Club

Retiree
Louis Peca, retired U.S. Air Force major

Youth
Jinah Burman, Special Operations Youth Group

Civilian from the local community
Amy Jamieson, Hurlburt Field Chapel

Group award
Vincent Airman Leadership School

Volunteer Excellence Award
Rae Eubert and Susie Lambert, Airman & Family Readiness Center Loan Closet