Annual ‘Volunteer Salute’ to be held June 13

  • Published
  • By Terri O'Keefe
  • Airman and Family Readiness Center
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The 2012 Hanscom Volunteer Salute will be held June 13 at the Hanscom Conference Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The volunteer salute and reception lunch are free to all base volunteers and their supporters, whether they volunteered one hour or 1,000 hours on base or off base, in the past year.

The theme for 2012 is "Volunteering is a Work of Heart."

The salute will feature a multimedia tribute and display, remarks from 66th Air Base Group Commander Col. Lester A. Weilacher and presentation of the Chief of Staff Volunteer Excellence Award (VEA). The VEA honors volunteers who have contributed significantly to their communities over an extended period of time.

There are three nominees this year, all from the Battle Management Directorate. Nominees include Timothy Chase, Stephen Ober and Gary Halvorsen, supporting Winchester Massachusetts Hospital Community Health Institute and Longwood Medical Area Cancer Support Groups.

According to the Airman and Family Readiness Center, now more than ever, with the struggling economy and recent string of natural disasters around the world, volunteers are stepping up and pitching in. They represent numerous organizations such as the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society and Doctors Without Borders. They're helping with cleanup and rebuilding, while offering support and compassion during tremendously challenging times. They're distributing food and funds to unemployed and homeless while wiping tears and handing out clothing and blankets.

Volunteers contribute in other equally critical ways. They mentor, teach, coach, tutor, support and guide America's future leaders through team sports, theatre, church groups and scouting. Other volunteers remember elderly shut ins with friendly visits, meals and transportation.

Volunteers are "heroes on the homefront." They visit hospitalized veterans and foster pets for deployed personnel. They crochet baby items for new military parents and assemble goodie packages for personnel serving overseas. They help personnel with taxes, manage the thrift shop, teach religious education, offer scholarships and advocate for students.

Many of those selfless individuals are here at Hanscom, improving the quality of life on base, in their individual communities and around the world.

Contact Terri O'Keefe at the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 781-225-2765 for more information about the 2012 Volunteer Salute or to RSVP.