Edwards AFB News

Team Edwards recognizes volunteer contributions

  • Published
  • By Laura Mowry
  • Staff Writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Edwards recognized the substantial contributions of base volunteers throughout 2011 at a ceremony April 18 at Club Muroc, in honor of the nationally observed Volunteer Appreciation Day.

The theme of this year's event was "Celebrating People in Action," and in addition to recognizing contributions at the local level, the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards and the 2011 Volunteer Excellence award were presented to the base's most active volunteers.

The bronze level Presidential Service Award requires adult recipients to volunteer more than 100 hours, while the silver level award requires more than 250 hours, and the gold level award requires 500 hours or more.

Col. Buddy Berry, 95th Mission Support Group commander, presented the presidential awards to Edwards servicemembers, while Carlos Bassut, 95th Force Support Squadron director, presented the awards to civilians.

After all the presidential awards were presented, Berry presented Kristen Minor with the 2011 Volunteer Excellence Award.

During his opening remarks, Col. Gregory E. Schwab, 95th Air Base Wing commander, thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication to make Edwards a better community.

"We here at Edwards could not get along without all the volunteers here. For those volunteers, we want to say thank you. We want to recognize you. We want to tell you that without your service the Edwards community would be entirely different and we are better for what you have done for us," said Schwab.

He also reminded everyone in attendance that America's volunteering spirit can be witnessed everyday within the military.

"Even in the military, you can see this volunteer service. From the Minutemen and their service, to what we have today; in a completely volunteer military," said Schwab. "It's who we are and what we do."

Guest speaker and active volunteer within the Antelope Valley, Diana Love, spoke to attendees about her volunteer experience and the importance of improving the quality of life for individuals. She volunteers with several organizations within the local area including the Los Angeles-based Court Appointed Special Advocates' children's program and serves as a board member of the West Antelope Valley Education Foundation.

"What I've learned through my work experience is how to help people and how to listen to people who need help," said Love. "Volunteerism and what it means to me is to own my own happiness, and promote good and improve where you can in the human quality of life, and to give back freely."

Before the ceremony concluded and guests were free to enjoy cupcakes and light refreshments, Schwab thanked everyone again for their dedication and service. He also asked for help extending a 'thank you' to the volunteers in the Edwards community that contribute so much and prefer not to be recognized for their efforts.