Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Brett Miller | Connie Sprynczynatyk, civilian aide to the secretary of the Army, or CASA, left, and...... read more read more
FARGO, N.D. — An exceptional group of volunteers, whose contributions support service members and their families, were honored during an award luncheon at the North Dakota National Guard’s Volunteer Symposium March 9 at the Ramada Plaza and Suites in Fargo.
The North Dakota National Guard’s Service Member and Family Support (SMFS) Division annually gives out awards recognizing volunteers and organizations for their outstanding commitment to military members and their families. The SMFS began the volunteer award recognition in 2008.
“Our entire North Dakota National Guard family relies on our generous group of volunteers to help us maintain our readiness,” said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. “For those being recognized during today’s awards program, thank you for all you have done. As our soldiers and airmen mobilize for missions overseas or respond to emergencies at home, it is a great feeling to know that we have loyal volunteers there to support us.”
The Volunteer of the Year Award, which is given to one volunteer who shows outstanding and exceptional service to the North Dakota National Guard’s Family Program, was presented to Stephanie Lyson for her support of the 816th Engineer Company (Horizontal). Lyson is the family readiness group leader for the unit, which is based out of Dickinson, N.D. In that role, she has organized multiple unit family activities and coordinated fundraising efforts for the family readiness group.
Retired Maj. Gen. Alexander Macdonald, of Fargo, and Daryn Hoover, of Minot, N.D., both received the Extra Mile Award. The honor is presented to two North Dakota National Guard retirees — one Air Guard and one Army Guard — who distinguishes themselves by continuing to provide outstanding and exceptional service to soldiers and airmen through volunteering.
Macdonald, who represented the North Dakota Air National Guard and is a former North Dakota adjutant general, actively is involved in veteran support groups in the Fargo-Moorhead area. He is a regular attendee at “Happy Hooligans” breakfast meetings, where he updates fellow retirees about activities and needs affecting military members in the community. Hoover, who represented the North Dakota Army National Guard and is a former member, is a family readiness group co-leader for the 164th Engineer Battalion. His wife also volunteers with the group as its secretary. The couple help with various family activities while volunteering for the unit. During the holiday season this year, the Hoovers arranged an appearance from Santa Claus for the 164th soldiers’ children.
The Community Purple Award is presented to a community group or organization that best embraces the “purple concept” by working with both North Dakota Air and Army Guard members and families. This year’s recipient was the North Dakota Beef Commission for its support of soldiers and airmen during the North Dakota State Fair. Each year, the organization provides a free picnic for military members and their families, including games and activities for their children. Since 2004, the North Dakota Beef Commission has served more than 14,000 meals to military members.
This year’s Gold Award was given to Pastor Stephen Holmes, of Garrison, N.D. The award is presented to one volunteer who shows long-term, consistent and dedicated support while volunteering with the North Dakota National Guard’s Family Program and within their community. Holmes has been a family readiness group leader in the Garrison community for 13 years. In that role, he has organized hundreds of support group meetings, presentations, dinners and gatherings for service members and their families. Holmes also has volunteered and served as a member of the Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee, or ISFAC, for the past 10 years. The person who nominated Holmes for the Gold Award said, “Steve consistently chooses to further his knowledge and education in the area of military deployments, family support, integrating veterans back into their communities and suicide prevention by attending training and workshops related to these subjects.”
Parish and Savanna Halle, of Fargo, received the Youth Volunteer Award. The honor is presented to North Dakota National Guard military youth who are 15 to 17 years old and provide exemplary commitment and support to North Dakota National Guard families. Parish and Savanna have been regular volunteers for the North Dakota National Guard Child and Youth Program, and have been involved in Youth Council meetings and Operation: Military Kids teambuilding events. Additionally, the sisters volunteer within their community. In April 2013, Parish and Savanna traveled to St. Paul, Minn., and assisted at a Boys & Girls Club and a retirement home and helped distribute food and clothing to those in need.
Jeff Long, of Bismarck, N.D., received the Youth Development Volunteer Award, which is presented to an adult volunteer who has made a significant impact in the development and support of the North Dakota National Guard Child and Youth Program. Long is the education coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and has helped develop, facilitate and assist with the Child and Youth Program’s annual Fish Camp. The event brings together North Dakota National Guard Youth, ages 8-15, to make new friends and learn the fundamentals of fishing and boat safety.
The person who nominated Long for the award said, “Jeff’s facilitation, education and assistance in hosting the Fish Camp really contributes to keeping the Child and Youth Program’s goal and mission of providing good quality programming and curriculum for our military kids in a fun and safe environment.”
| Date Taken: | 03.09.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2014 20:16 |
| Story ID: | 121859 |
| Location: | FARGO, ND, US |
| Hometown: | FARGO, ND, US |
| Hometown: | GARRISON, ND, US |
| Hometown: | MINOT, ND, US |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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