Ceremony recognizes Hurlburt "angels"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Caitlin O'Neil-McKeown
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Hurlburt Field recognized outstanding volunteers from the base and surrounding community by announcing the winners of the 2010 Volunteer Excellence and Angel Awards during a ceremony at the Soundside Club May 23.

Overall, volunteers saved Hurlburt Field more than $2,831,700 in man-hours throughout 2010.

"I wish we could recognize all of our volunteers, because in some way everyone has made the difference. They all deserve to be thanked," said Master Sgt. Natalie Sockman, 1 Special Operations Force Support Squadron Readiness NCO in charge.

Col. Michael Plehn, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, attended the ceremony and accepted a check symbolizing the efforts of the volunteers.

"It's absolutely humbling," Colonel Plehn said. "Not only do these volunteers keep the wing and our families running smoothly, they also help to amplify and expand the fantastic support efforts within our community."

The 2010 Angel Award winners are:

Category 1--Hurlburt Field Active Duty: Airman 1st Class Megan L. Smith, 2nd Combat Weather Squadron

Category 2--Hurlburt Field Civilians: Joe Polhamus, Special Tactics Training Squadron

Category 3--Hurlburt Field Family Members: Sheila Bray

Category 4--Hurlburt Field Youth Angel: Elizabeth Agner

Category 5--Hurlburt Field Civilian from the Local Community: Kathrin Bannamon, Jobs Plus

Category 6--Team Hurlburt (Group Award): Hurlburt Field TACP Schoolhouse

The 2010 Volunteer Excellence Award winner is Janette Daley, a dependent with the 319th Special Operations Squadron.

The Air Force Volunteer Excellence Award was established in 1998 by the Secretary of the Air Force to recognize volunteers who perform outstanding long-term volunteer services.

The Angel Award was established in 1988 by Mrs. Eunice Welch, wife of then-Air Force Chief of Staff General Larry D. Welch, to recognize the accomplishments and selfless contributions of volunteers who perform outstanding services without expecting rewards. The award recognizes volunteerism over a 12-month period.

"Volunteering is very important with or without the recognition," Airman Smith said. "Put your foot out there and make the difference; it's important, so do it."