Hanscom volunteers honored for their service

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Three Hanscom community members were honored for their volunteer efforts with the Volunteer Excellence Award during the 66th Air Base Wing Quarterly Awards breakfast on April 24.

"The Volunteer Excellence Award is an Air Force lifetime award originated by General Michael E. Ryan, former Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, to recognize federal civilians, family members and retirees who perform outstanding volunteer community service which benefits their community and reflects favorably upon the Air Force," said Terri O'Keefe, Airman and Family Readiness Center, team leader.

The award is presented annually in April, to correspond with National Volunteer Week. Nine Hanscom volunteers were submitted for consideration for this prestigious award.

"Their contributions to the base and community are many and we are proud to recognize them," said Col. Tom Schluckebier, 66th Air Base Wing commander.

Judi Parker was awarded the Volunteer Excellence Award for her work on behalf of Hanscom children through organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Hanscom Parent Teacher Organization and the Youth Ski Program. She was recognized for her charismatic and dedicated leadership of the Hanscom Spouses Club where she increased membership by 22 percent and championed $50,000 in direct contributions to Hanscom community programs. Ms. Parker was also an active member of the Colonial Minutemen re-enactment company, and as a Girl Scout co-leader, assisted six girls in earning the prestigious Bronze Award.

Shannon Catalano was recognized as a volunteer role model and mentor with the Big Sister Organization where for the last two years she has had a significant positive influence on a young girl's life. On weekends she was a valued Play Space Activity leader at Horizons for Homeless Children where she combined learning with fun for hundreds of Boston's most vulnerable. She also served as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer where she helped construct 12 homes and worked on a housing complex that will safely house over 100.

Tara Harbour was recognized for her volunteer efforts on behalf of the Hanscom Spouses Club, Lincoln School Foundation, Girls Scouts and Parent Teacher Organization. She managed the Minuteman Thrift Shop, implemented on-site child care at Hanscom Spouses Club functions, and orchestrated the community-wide Spring Fling. Her efforts as a Lincoln School Foundation Trustee led to $61,000 in grants to Lincoln and Hanscom schools. As an assistant Girl Scout Leader and Cookie Mom, she raised needed funds to support the troops.

"We're proud of all of our volunteers who enrich the lives of so many through their generosity and community spirit," Colonel Schluckebier said.