A U.S. Army North non-commissioned officer here was recognized for her volunteer efforts both on base and in the local community during a ceremony at the Sam Houston Club, April 15.

Sgt. 1st Class Melanie Locklear, who serves as an equal opportunity advisor with Army North, was one of 25 Fort Sam Houston community members presented a 2010 Fort Sam Houston Volunteer of the Year award by Col. Mary Garr, Fort Sam Houston installation commander, during the ceremony.

Along with her fellow award winners, she was presented with a framed rendition of the Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle and clock tower by a local artist. She had previously earned recognition for her efforts with the award of the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal in January.

"This is a superb senior non-commissioned officer who volunteers her personal time to support the community," said Col. Richard Francey Jr., ARNORTH chief of staff. "Her selfless service is indicative of the professionalism she exhibits on a daily basis in support of her unit's missions. The award is well deserved."

Locklear, a native of St. Pauls, N.C., said volunteering is part of who she is.
"I've been volunteering my whole career," Locklear said. "If I can make a difference in one individual, I've done my job."

Locklear, a mother of two daughters, Jaclyn, 10, and Alisha, 9, said she encourages others to volunteer – including her daughters.

"I get them involved," she said. "They go with me."

Cynthia Rodriguez, Army Volunteer Corps coordinator, Army Community Service, said Locklear stays very busy.

"Sgt. 1st Class Locklear has always been a strong supporter of the Army Family Action Plan and a Fort Sam Houston community supporter," Rodriguez said. "She has volunteered with outside organizations, such as Camp Agape, a summer camp designed for children who have suffered the loss of a loved one; the All-American Bowl, providing food to the athletes and other Civilians; the National Kidney Foundation, the San Antonio Food Bank and other organizations."

Locklear said her parents, David and Maria Locklear, motivate her to help others and put others first.

"I'm 34, and they've been inspiring me for the last 39 years they've been together," Locklear said. David is a retired Army first sergeant.

Volunteer work makes her a better non-commissioned officer, she said, because it helps her relate to and develop Soldiers – even those Soldiers facing personal or professional issues.

"Sometimes it just takes that one NCO to turn a Soldier around," she said.

Garr thanked the individual award winners during the ceremony.

"For some of you, your selfless service during duty days isn't enough; a career of services has become a lifetime of service. My heartfelt thanks to all those who volunteer," Garr said. "We honor you today. The millions of dollars' worth of volunteer hours don't begin to describe the value that you have."

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