Eglin volunteers recognized at ceremony

  • Published
  • By Noel Getlin
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Imagine Team Eglin without the Airman's Attic, the Hospital Angels, Airmen Against Drunk Driving, the Thrift Store and Eglin Pet Welfare. 

All of these organizations run solely on the generosity of volunteers. 

Those efforts were honored April 23 at a Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at the officers' club. 

"Volunteerism empowers individuals to make a difference in their community and the lives of others," said Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander. "Eglin volunteers have always served to improve and support others and the community." 

Team Eglin volunteers donated 147,419 hours in 2008 alone, saving the Eglin community nearly $3 million. 

Several individuals and groups were presented the Angel Award during the ceremony. It recognizes volunteers, individuals or groups, who contributed significantly during the year to the well-being of Air Force personnel, their families and our community.

Recipients were recognized on stage and pinned by Dr. Bruce Simpson, Deputy Air Force Program Executive Officer for Weapons, and Executive Director, Air Armament Center. 

Angel Award recipients were:
In the active duty category - 2nd Lt. Mitchell Kieffer, Air Force Research Laboratory; Master Sgt. Michael Camp, 33rd Maintenance Group; Master Sgt. Peter Choiniere, 33rd Maintenance Squadron; Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Clements, 372nd Training Squadron Det. 19; Senior Airman Jason Larzelere, 96th Services Squadron; Airman 1st Class Joshua Dirr, 96th Surgical Operations Squadron; Airman 1st Class Justin Labrecque, 96th Communications Squadron; Tech. Sgt. Michele Stringert, 96th Security Forces Squadron; and Staff Sgt. Dominick Della Pia, 33rd Operations Support Group. 

In the civilian category - Donna Stapleton, 96th Communications Squadron. 

In the family member category - Diane Elliott, 96th Air Base Wing chapel and Ruth Joyal, the American Red Cross. 

In the retiree category - retired Air Force Col. James Curran and Jackie O'Neal, both with the Retiree Activities Office. 

In the youth category - Robin Britt and Joshua Hoover, both with the Youth Center, and the Emerald Coast Military Catholic Youth Conference Committee, 96th Air Base Wing Chapel. 

Civilians from the local community - Carla Engeldinger, Eglin Pet Welfare, and Russ Harris, Jackson Guard. 

In the Team Eglin category - the 96th Communications Squadron, the Airman's Attic, Eglin Company Grade Officer's Give-A-Child-A-Christmas Team, the Emerald Coast Military Catholic Youth Conference Committee, and Eglin Family Services. 

Four individuals were awarded the Volunteer Excellence award, which recognizes federal civilians, family members, military retirees and federal retirees who perform long-term community support. 

Air Force Excellence Award recipients were - Michael Rivera, Air Force Research Laboratory; Gayle Jenkins, 96th Medical Group Pharmacy; Bob White, Airman's Attic; and Lynn Dowell, Retirees Activities Office (Hospital Information Desk). 

Ms. Dowell was also awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award. She received an official volunteer service award pin, a personalized certificate of achievement, a congratulatory letter from George Bush, former President of the United States, and a letter from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. 

Volunteer Excellence Award nominees recognized were Mr. Allen Ajaye, 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron; Ms. Kathryn Guidry, Eglin Sand and Spur Riding Club; retired Air Force Lt. Col. Ernest Martinez, Eglin chapel; retired Army Sgt. Maj. Patricia Payne, Family Services; and Mr. Russell Harris III, Jackson Guard.