Volunteers net more than $401K in service to base

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Hundreds of base volunteers gathered under the Area D pavilion May 7 as they received some well deserved recognition for their selfless dedication to the Aviano community.

These men and women were just some of the more than 2,460 volunteers on base, being honored at the annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.

"We see our volunteers every day," said Laurie Webb, Airman and Family Readiness Center volunteer resource program coordinator. "They answer phones, organize community bazaars, tutor or coach a team sport. They lead Operation Yellow Ribbon, organize fundraisers for earthquake victims or head-up the cancer walk. They form partnerships between military and civilian communities, strengthening bonds and building relationships."

"And even though they don't get a paycheck, their willingness and dedication to the job helps programs continue despite a lack of funding," she said. "Because of them, communities enjoy a quality of life that they otherwise would not."

During the event, volunteers were presented with a certificate of appreciation and goodie bag. They and their families were also invited to partake in a free barbecue.

"This event is just a small way for the Aviano community to say thank you to our volunteers," said Ms. Webb. "Without their selfless dedication we would not be able to offer so many of the base programs our community enjoys."

During the ceremony, Jane Hammonds of the Airman and Family Readiness Center presented Col. David Slade, 31st Missions Support Group commander, with a mock check for $401,180, representing the dollar amount of time volunteers donated to the community in 2008, which included more than 22,226 hours.

Colonel Slade was also afforded the opportunity to single out four base volunteers with the Volunteer Excellence Award, which recognizes individuals who perform outstanding volunteer community service of a sustained, direct and consequential nature, said Ms. Webb.

"The service they provide is significant in character and produces tangible results which reflect favorably on the U.S. Air Force," she said. "The award is intended to recognize exceptional, long-term support which directly impacts community activities."

This year's recipients were Kristin Palapas, Vanessa Chavez, Colleen Malley and Tracey Brandley.

Ms. Palapas, who has been stationed at Aviano with her husband Staff Sgt. James Palapas of the 603rd Air Control Squadron since June 2007, is involved with the Aviano Community Enlisted Spouses Club, Operation Yellow Ribbon, and with the base chapel teaching Sunday school.

"ACES was the first organization I joined when we moved here two years ago," she said. "I just loved how involved they were and how everything they did went back to the community in some way. Here at Aviano, we have such a small community, so you actually get to see the results of what you do - I really like that."

Ms. Palapas said she holds a special place in her heart for Operation Yellow Ribbon as well.

"I really do that one for myself," she said. "It's just so great to be able to greet those men and women returning from a deployment and for those on their way to deploy we just try our best to put them in a good spirit with a nice meal while they're waiting." 

Before, they had to be bused to the food court, buy their own food and go through security on their way back if they were hungry, she said, but through Operation Yellow Ribbon, volunteers serve them a nice meal in the (Personnel Alert Holding Area) without them having to go through all that hassle or pay out of pocket.

Ms. Chavez, who has been volunteering on base for just over three years now after moving here with her husband Master Sgt. Alex Chavez of the 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron, divides her time between ACES, the 31st Force Support Squadron Fan Club, American Red Cross, Lil' Bambino playgroup, her church and with the base's annual Primavera Bazaar.

"I like to be able to give back to the community and volunteering affords me that opportunity," said Ms. Chavez. "When I first (arrived) to Aviano, I felt isolated and alone, but through joining ACES and getting involved in the community I overcame that feeling. I try to get involved and help other spouses on base so they don't feel the same way I did."

For more information on the volunteer resource program and available volunteer positions, visit http://afrc.avianoab.info/programs-volunteer.html or call Ms. Webb at 632-5407.