MCAS New River volunteers attend ceremony

Photo By Sgt. Melodie Snarr | Dilicia Beckwith accepts her silver volunteer service award during a volunteer appreciation banquet held at the New River Officer’s Club, Apr. 27, 2017. To earn a silver award a volunteer must serve a minimum of 250 hours of service within one year. Beckwith volunteers with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society. Burton is the commanding officer of the air station. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melodie Snarr)  

NC, UNITED STATES

04.27.2017

Story by Sgt. Melodie Snarr 

Marine Corps Installations East       

Volunteers from around Marine Corps Air Station New River attended an appreciation ceremony in their honor at the New River Officer’s Club, Apr. 27. During the ceremony 11 volunteers were awarded and two organizations. One stood out among the many.
“I was very surprised I received the (President’s) lifetime achievement award,” said Margie Rogers, volunteer. “I had no idea (I was receiving the award.)”
A volunteer needs to donate a minimum of 4,000 hours over the course of their life to receive the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Rogers has donated over 5,400 hours from Jan. 2010 to 2017.
“(I volunteer) because I love working with the military. It’s just part of who I am,” said Rogers. “I did my social work internship with the (Navy Marine Corps Relief Society) and enjoyed it so much I decided to stay. I’ve been with them ever since.”
Rogers has been volunteering with the society for 7 years. Rogers doesn’t volunteer for awards or recognition. She does it to help others.
“I don’t do it for the awards. That’s just the side achievement,” said Rogers. “If I get one, it’s great but that’s not something I work toward. I work for the joy. It’s very heartwarming to know that I can help the service members, their dependents and the veterans. That’s my award.”
Bronze, silver and gold awards were also awarded. Each recipient received a certificate and a pin.
The Bronze award recipients were:
April Graham, volunteers as the family readiness assistant with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 167
Kimberly Smith, volunteers with seniors in the Onslow County Community
Cpl. Carlety Ventura, volunteers with the NMCRS
The Silver award recipients were:
Betty Jo Waite, volunteers with the New River Chapel
Dilicia Beckwith, volunteers with the NMCRS
Abby Herrick, volunteers with the NMCRS
The Gold award recipients were:
Jamie Miller, volunteers with the NMCRS
Bella Flynn, volunteers with the NMCRS
Kady Luck, volunteers with the NMCRS
Elizabeth Wyman, volunteers with the NMCRS
“To our volunteers, although you may not seek recognition for your selfless service, the example you set delivers a powerful message that may encourage other to take action,” said Col. Russell Burton, commanding officer of the air station. “For that we honor you today.”

• Date Taken: 04.27.2017
• Date Posted: 05.10.2017 10:09
• Story ID: 233288
• Location: NC, US