Calling base volunteers: A&FRC to host Volunteer Salute Thursday

  • Published
  • By Terri O'Keefe
  • Airman and Family Readiness Center
Hanscom AFB --  The 2007 Hanscom Volunteer Salute will be held Thursday at the Minuteman Club from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The Volunteer Salute is the only annual event that recognizes the contributions of all of Hanscom's volunteers. The theme for the 2007 Hanscom Volunteer Salute is "Inspire by Example." 

The event is free and base volunteers and their supporters are invited to attend. 

All volunteers, whether they volunteered one hour or 1,000 hours in the past year, are welcome. Seating is limited, however; complimentary tickets may be picked up at the Airman and Family Readiness Center or from Denise Beaudry, 66th Air Base Wing Commander's Action Group chief, in building 1305. 

"Hundreds of volunteers contribute immeasurably to the quality of life at Hanscom and in their individual communities. They represent numerous on and off-base organizations and dedicate their time to fill a critical need," said Dr. Sondra Albano, Airman and Family Readiness Flight chief. 

For example, Hanscom volunteers assemble packages and send them to deployed personnel as well as reach out to the families of deployers; visit lonely hospitalized veterans, collect life-saving blood donations; raise money for scholarships; teach Scouts leadership and life skills, organize school events and activities; make knitted items for newborns; and help individuals with their tax returns, Dr. Albano said. 

The 2007 Hanscom Volunteer Salute will feature a thoughtful presentation of interviews with Hanscom volunteers, photos of volunteers in action and the presentation of the prestigious Chief Of Staff Volunteer Excellence Award. The VEA honors a volunteer who has contributed significantly to his or her community over an extended period of time. 

The guest speaker for the event will be Robert Vines, who is the Senior Account Executive for the Boston Celtics and the coordinator of the Armed Forces Nights for the Celtics. Mr. Vines is also a supporter of the 66th Air Base Wing Annual Awards program and is the person responsible for coordinating the Presentation of the Colors by the Patriot Honor Guard at Celtics games.

Contact Bobby Jacques at (781) 377-6084, or the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (781) 377-4222, for more information about the 2007 Volunteer Salute.