By 121st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS, Ohio- Ohio First Lady Frances Strickland recently honored a lieutenant colonel from the 121st Air Refueling Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, for her community involvement.

Lt. Col. Kathy Lowrey, executive staff services officer for the 121st, was honored by Strickland for her involvement with the Make a Difference Day, Ohio Statewide Steering Committee. Lowery has participated in the promotion subcommittee for three years. During that time, the 121st completed two MDDO projects-the Airman Leadership Class helped build a home for Habitat for Humanity and journals were made with the Ohio Department of Corrections and presented to 5th grade girls at The Columbus Africentric School.

Make a Difference Day, Ohio is the largest single day of volunteering in the state, held annually on the 4th Saturday in October. Honorary co-chairs Strickland, Jim Tressel, head coach for The Ohio State University football team, the Ohio Service Community Council and the Statewide Steering Committee, have successfully led the nation in number of volunteer projects completed for eight consecutive years.

"Volunteerism is a win-win proposition," Strickland said. "It benefits the community and the volunteer. Make a Difference Day is an opportunity to work, learn and grow together. Volunteers from across the state work to give back to their communities and we're all better for it."

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