Volunteers recognized for selfless service

  • Published
  • By Ilka Cole
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Individuals from diverse backgrounds were recognized at Eglin's Volunteer Recognition Program hosted by the Airman and Family Readiness Center May 8.

The six volunteers were nominated for the 2014 Volunteer Excellence Award, which highlighted the selfless contributions made to the Air Force's mission, the Army's Special Forces Command and for contributions made to the local community in science and technology.

Brig. Gen. David Harris, 96th Test Wing commander, was on hand to speak and present certificates to the volunteers.

"We may be Eglin Air Force Base, but our volunteers represent all forces," said Harris. "They may not look or dress the same, but the goals are the same."

Making a difference was the goal for each nominee. The award, authorized by the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, is geared toward civilians, family members, military and federal retirees who perform outstanding volunteer community service. Together the volunteers worked hundreds of hours and their collective efforts resulted in a marked impact to the quality of life for Eglin's military and local community spouses, children and pets.

This year's nominees Trina Jerome, Michael Lindsay, Joseph Yabui, Jessica Boseman, Pamela Seda, and Ron Vander Kooy contributed their time in various ways.

Jerome from the 7th Special Forces Group, traveled to different locations visiting wounded warrior to give them hope.

Lindsay, from Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Division, devoted his time to children serving as leader for cub scouts and as a mentor for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program.

Kooy, who works for the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron and like Lindsay also dedicated his time to children in the learning of science and technology. He played an intricate part in the community's First Lego League, a robotics program for seven to nine year-olds.

Yabui, from the Eglin Youth Center, also focused his time to children logging hundreds of coaching hours to the Eglin Youth Center's baseball team.

Boseman, who works for the 96th Maintenance Squadron, served through social media. Her community programs and posts helped raise funds and morale to members of Eglin and the 96th Maintenance Group.

Seda's love for pets drove her mission. As volunteer for the Eglin Pet Welfare, she not only served as the Chairman for the board of Pet Welfare, but put in countless hours caring for stray animals. Her efforts were in part responsible for significant improvements to the shelter.

After presenting the awards, Harris addressed the efforts of all the volunteers.

"Everybody's completely equal when it comes to giving time," said Harris. "How we choose to use the time is what distinguishes us as a person. We recognize your contributions to our quality of life and we greatly appreciate it."

The A&FRC collaborates with other base volunteer agencies to recruit, train, place and recognize volunteer service.