Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Meillettis Gardner | Rita Harris the 2013 president stands with the volunteer of the year, Philip Mlynarski...... read more read more
Fort Polk, La. – The Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce held their annual membership banquet on Jan. 24, at the Beauregard Parish Fair Expo Building in DeRidder, La. This event recognized the tremendous efforts and hard work of members and businesses in the community over the past year. The Chamber of Commerce also took this opportunity to recognize their Volunteer of the year within the community.
This year, the banquet began with the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk Commander, Brigadier Gen. William B. Hickman, leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Dinner guests dined on roast beef, mashed potatoes, and green beans while sharing laughs and conversation before KVVP station Manager, Rick Barnacle, started the presentations too honor the small business of the year; Bruce’s Towing Co., large business; Sudden Link communications and the volunteer of the year Sgt. 1st Class Philip Mlynarski.
Soldiers live in communities around the world, make meaningful connections, and impact the communities in ways that are cherished for years to come.
Sgt. 1st Class Philip Mlynarski, Observer controller for Operations Group, Brigade Mission Command, at Fort Polk’s JRTC won the award for Volunteer of the Year for his efforts in bringing Christmas joy to thousands of citizens by creating a light display at his house.
“I’m on my 3rd year putting on a Christmas light show,” said Mlynarski. “Normally I get 300 to 600 hundred cars a night. It’s insane!”
He accepts donations for the non-profit Christmas Light Show and every year he donates the profits to charities in the community. This year he sent the donations from the light show to the Humane Society of West Louisiana in DeRidder and Grace Church which fed Christmas dinner to the hungry; the First United Pentecostal Church of DeRidder which gave toys to children during Christmas; and the DeRidder Lions Club.
“My 17 years in the military has given me an edge working with different people,” said Mlynarski. “I think that’s good in a small town (helping people).”
“I put on a DeRidder Christmas Light Show for the family and kids of DeRidder with Fort Polk joining in. I’ve had soldiers and families from across the state come by and check out the light show,” said Mlynarski.
“The greatest joy I get out of the Christmas light show is hearing the excitement of the kids and families, just their shock and awe to the lights” I think in a way I’m trying to bring back some of those Christmas values that we seem to have lost, the interaction between families and what the spirit of Christmas is.”
It takes the entire year to put the light show together in time for the Christmas holiday, said Mlynarski. He spends hours on wiring and syncing the music and light together. Even with this huge project, he still finds time to actively participate in the Humane Society, 1st Pentecostal Church, and Lions Club. He also owns John’s Used Cars in Deridder.
“My father built the Humane Society,” said Mlynarski. He pauses as he remembers his father. “He passed away two years ago, and he is my inspiration.”
Philip Mlynarski support of Beauregard Parish was deeply appreciated by the community as he received a standing ovation for his volunteer work.
Another important part of the evening was when John Marcello, the 2012 Beauregard Chamber of Commerce President, announced the incoming 2013 President as Rita Harris and he presented her with the gavel symbolizing her new leadership position within the chamber.
In attendance was retired Sergeant Maj. of the Army Julius William (Bill) Gates , 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Commander Col. Bret Van Camp and Command Sergeants Major Melvin E. Rutledge and a host of Soldiers and Family members within the local community.
| Date Taken: | 01.24.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.09.2013 12:15 |
| Story ID: | 101739 |
| Location: | DERIDDER, LA, US |
| Web Views: | 148 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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