Volunteers save Hurlburt Field more than $2 million in 2009

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Victoria Brayton
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Thirty individuals and three groups were recognized for their selfless service during the annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at the Soundside Club April 27.

All together, these active duty, retired, civilian and family-member volunteers gave 117,397 hours of their time to more than 40 local organizations and all Hurlburt Field units in 2009. The volunteers saved Hurlburt Field an estimated $2,377,290 by donating their work hours for free.

"A key element to our success is the impressive contributions of our volunteers," said Col. Daniel Zook, 1st Special Operations Wing vice commander, who hosted the ceremony. "Without your contributions we couldn't get everything done as well as we do here at Hurlburt Field."

Approximately 200 people attended the ceremony that recognized nominees in seven categories, with one winner in each category. The awards were presented by Colonel Zook, Debby Lundblad, Airman & Family Readiness Center director, and Ruthy Srun, A&FRC volunteer coordinator.

The winners include:

Category 1--Hurlburt Field Active Duty: Staff Sgt. Brandy L. Lockhart, 1st SOW

Category 2--Hurlburt Field Civilian: Nayddan G. Milord, 1st Special Operations Medical Support Squadron

Category 3--Hurlburt Field Family Member: Stacy Pitre, 1st Special Operations Contracting Squadron

Category 4--Hurlburt Field Retiree: Master Sgt. Glenn Yawn, Mobility Operations School, Detachment 1

Category 5--Hurlburt Field Youth Angel: Erikka Jones, Hurlburt Field Chapel

Category 6--Hurlburt Field Civilian from the Local Community: Bernadine Grooms, Hurlburt Field Chapel

Category 7--Team Hurlburt (Group Award): 823rd Red Horse Key Spouses

Volunteer Excellence Award: Maggie Fleck, 4th Special Operations Squadron

Special Presentation: Family Services Volunteers (Susie Lambert, Rae Eubert, June Brown, Betty Jones, Sheila Bray, Marilyn Berthelett and Ron Berthelett)

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 selflessness of people who offered their time and talents without expecting rewards or thanks. The award recognizes volunteerism over a 12-month period. This year, Gregory Copeland, a retired chief master sergeant from AFSOC, presented each of the seven Youth Angel nominees a special gift on behalf of the Copeland family in loving memory of their son, Gerran Copeland, who received the award in 2007.

The Volunteer Excellence Award was established in 1998 by the Secretary of the Air Force to recognize the extended volunteer efforts of Air Force family members, retirees and civilians. This award reflects a volunteer's leadership, initiative and dedication to lifelong volunteerism.