Hurlburt recognizes outstanding volunteers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kentavist P. Brackin
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted the 2014 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony honoring volunteers from the base and surrounding community at the Soundside Club on Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 22.

"One of the best things about having this kind of event is seeing the volunteers get recognition for their hard work and dedication," said Tijuana Odom, 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron community relations specialist and coordinator for the event.

In 2013, nearly 1,000 Hurlburt volunteers gave their time and contributed approximately 235,000 man-hours in support of base and community events.

More than $5 million dollars in man-hours, about half of the bases' annual budget was committed to volunteering, said Col. William Holt, 1st Special Operations Wing vice commander and speaker for the event. "Volunteering is about taking care of each other and the Airmen on Hurlburt Field certainly do that," Holt added.

"We really appreciate what the volunteers do for this wing and the community," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffery Maberry, 1st SOW command chief. "As we draw down the force there are programs we are able to continue to have because of the support of volunteers."

Individuals and groups recognized during the event were also nominees for the Angel Award and Volunteer Excellence Award.

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

The 2014 Angel Award recipients were:

Category 1--Hurlburt Field Active Duty: Senior Airman Rayna Yamamoto, 1st Special Operations Communication Squadron
Category 2--Hurlburt Field Youth Angel: Teren Credle
Category 3--Team Hurlburt (Group Award): 23rd Special Tactics Squadron Key Spouses

The Air Force Volunteer Excellence Award recognizes volunteers who perform outstanding long-term volunteer services.

The 2014 Volunteer Excellence Award winner was Donna Bagley, a Hurlburt Spouses Club member.

"There are always going to be people that can be helped," said Yamamoto. "Sometimes you just got to dive in and find something that you're passionate about."