Photo By Guv Callahan | Mike Jordan, president of the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Army Community Service...... read more read more
JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Army Community Service celebrated its many volunteers during its annual volunteer recognition luncheon Nov. 6.
Those who give their time to ACS programs were treated to a lunch in the executive room at Spates Community Club on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.
About 24 volunteers – the majority of whom work in the ACS reception area and on other special projects throughout the year – were recognized, said Marcia O’Connor, the ACS volunteer board vice president and assistant volunteer supervisor.
Laurie Brown, chief of ACS, thanked all of the volunteers who attended the luncheon, as well as those who were unable to attend.
“We do have volunteers in many capacities, and many of them are volunteering today in other capacities, so we do appreciate all of you being here,” she said.
Brown told the volunteers in the room that they might not know the impact they have on the people they meet through their work every day.
“One of my favorite quotes is ‘To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world,’” she said. “We have the opportunity every day to witness this when it comes to our volunteers.
“You may never know the profound effect you have on a person’s life. A kind word, a gentle touch, a listening ear can mean so much to someone who is seeking service.”
And whether they volunteered at the ACS front desk, knitted baby blankets for Soldiers and their families or worked in one of ACS’ many special projects, Brown assured volunteers that they help their community.
“You make a difference in others’ lives,” she said. “You may volunteer for many different reasons, but for whatever reason you volunteer, you provide support, skills, talents and abilities to the joint base and to the Army as a whole.”
Mike Jordan, president of the ACS volunteer board, has only held his position since May, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t understand the great difference volunteers make for ACS, he said.
“I really appreciate what your volunteering means to the great folks in the Army Community Service programs,” Jordan said. “I also know, even more significantly, how your selfless service translates to improving quality of life programs for service members and their families. Very often, they’re survivors.”
During his keynote speech, JBM-HH Chief of Staff Glenn Wait said ACS volunteers contributed 2,225 total hours for Fiscal Year 2015, the equivalent of $51,342 in the private sector.
“Without volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” Wait said. “It just means so much.”
Volunteering takes understanding, empathy, compassion, patience and dedication, according to Wait.
“You’ve shown these qualities and much more,” he said. “Throughout the last year we have seen your enthusiastic community spirit and dedicated volunteer service. Your unwavering demonstration of support reflects positively on your values of patriotism, generosity and selfless dedication.”
On behalf of himself and JBM-HH Commander Col. Mike Henderson, Wait offered his heartfelt thanks to everyone who gives their time for ACS programs.
“You’re part of the ACS family,” he said. “Regardless of your role I want you to know that this command is deeply grateful for you.”
| Date Taken: | 11.06.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.12.2015 17:24 |
| Story ID: | 181828 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, ACS celebrates volunteers during annual luncheon, by Guv Callahan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
