Team Eglin volunteers recognized for service to community

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • 96th Air Base Wing
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  What would Eglin be like without volunteers? Volunteers saved Eglin $2,876,536.74 last year alone. That exact amount was presented to the 96th Air Base Wing in the form of a check  at the base's Volunteer Recognition Ceremony April 29 at the conference center here.

"Inspire by Example" is the 2008 theme for Team Eglin because it accurately reflects the influence volunteers have to inspire the people they help, as well as to inspire others to serve. 

Nominees for the Angel Award from different organizations and categories were also recognized for their outstanding volunteer service. The categories of nominees recognized were: active duty, civilians, family members, retirees, youth, and Team Eglin (group).

Maj. Gen. David Eidsaune, Air Force Program Executive Officer for Weapons and the Commander of the Air Armament Center, and his wife, Mrs. Jane Eidsaune, presented award certificates and pins to the nominees who were recognized for their service to Eglin.

"I'm happy to be recognized, but it's not about the award," said Senior Airman Jason Larzalere, 96th Medical Support Squadron. "One, working in youth centers helps me feel like I'm giving something back. Two, it keeps me out of trouble."

There are more than 1,600 volunteers at Team Eglin who last year worked 142,898 hours according to Lisa Splinter, Airman and Family Readiness Center, community readiness technician.

"The time, effort and leadership displayed by Team Eglin volunteers are truly unparalleled," said Ms. Splinter. "The truth is that this base would not be the same without volunteers." 

Angel Award nominees were:

Category 1 - Active Duty: 1st Lt. Danielle Wible, 2nd Lt. Estefania Raffo Magnasco, Senior Master Sgt. Jere Brewer, Tech. Sgt. Eric I. Gaona, Staff Sgt. Felicia M. Robles, Senior Airman Jason Larzelere, Senior Airman Misty Walton, Airman 1st Class Jaclyn Duclos, Airman 1st Class Veronica Simpson

Category 2 - Civilian: Mr. Allen Ajaye, Mr. James Gwyn, Ms. Elizabeth Marks, Mr. Marvon Newby, Ms. Sarah Percy, Mr. Don Wellman, Ms. Aimee Wilson

Category 3 - Family Member: Ms. Kelly Garrison, Ms. Rhonda McNew, Ms. Michelle Small

Category 4 - Retiree: Ms. Elizabeth Ange, Mr. Steve Kofron

Category 5 - Youth: Mr. Alexander Bright, Mr. Joshua Hoover

Category 6 - Team Eglin (Group): 96th Comptroller Squadron, Airman's Attic, Eglin Retiree Activities Office, Family Services

Volunteer Excellence Award Nominees: Mr. Robert Defoe, Ms. Lynn Dowell, Ms. Lillian Johnson, Ms. Beverly Plummer, Mr. Tommye Walker