IronHorse Volunteer Recognition Ceremony

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class David Edge | FORT IRWIN, Calif.,-- U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major Michael Williams, senior enlisted advisor, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, accompanied by his wife Sharla, says thank you to the more than 20 volunteers that received certificates of appreciation during 1st Sqdn, 11th ACR, Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, Dec 7, 2016.(U.S. Army photos by Sgt. David Edge)  

FORT IRWIN, CA, UNITED STATES

12.12.2016

Story by Sgt. David Edge 

11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

FORT IRWIN, Calif., -- IRONHORSE! The 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment hosted a Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, Dec. 7, 2016, at the Iron Horse headquarters building where more than 20 volunteers received certificates of appreciation. Volunteers from every troop in the squadron were represented, demonstrating just how important volunteerism is in the Army.

Anyone that has ever served in the U.S. military understands that it takes more than just the men and women in uniform to make our military great. Behind the scenes, there are thousands of volunteers, doing the little things that play significant roles in Soldiers’ lives.

Sometimes, it is a USO worker that is giving a Soldier a place to lay his weary head late at night in an airport. Sometimes it is a Family Readiness Group member who is passing out hot meals to Soldiers that are coming out of the field.

These people play a key role in service members lives, not expecting anything in return. These incredible acts of kindness are always appreciated but rarely rewarded.

“Today’s event was an opportunity to say thank you and to show our appreciation to all the volunteers across the squadron, said Sharla Williams, co-advisor for 1st Sqdn. Family Readiness Group. “We felt that this event was long overdue and that this would be a great way to give back to the people that give so much to the Troopers,”

People volunteer for a variety of reasons. Some do it out of a need to give back to their community, while others volunteer because they feel strongly about a cause. Some see that something needs to be done so they do it.

Oscar Wilde once said, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”

“Being a volunteer just make me feel good,” said Haley Watters, a spouse and Coldsteel Troop volunteer. “I love to cook big meals, so volunteering lets me feed a lot of people, and give it to those who will really appreciate it.”

Volunteers are crucial to help maintain life, serving both individuals and communities alike, while also benefitting the volunteer themselves.

If you are stationed at Fort Irwin and would like to volunteer, please
contact the Fort Irwin Army Community Service at [phone] or your unit Family Readiness Group.

For more on the 11th ACR, visit https://www.facebook.com/11th-Armored-Cavalry-Regiment-Blackhorse-158715460811763/.

• Date Taken: 12.12.2016
• Date Posted: 12.12.2016 17:53
• Story ID: 217427
• Location: FORT IRWIN, CA, US