Team Tyndall celebrates volunteers Published April 26, 2013 By Ashley M. Wright 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Team Tyndall recognized volunteers who donated 18,773 hours of their time to the base and local community in 2012 during the 2013 annual Volunteer Recognition Reception April 25. "Events like these are the perfect way to say thank you to our volunteers who donate their time both in and outside the gate," said Col. Mark O'Laughlin, 325th Fighter Wing vice commander, who presented the awards. "Their contributions of nearly 20,000 hours in 2012 reflect the heart of the Team Tyndall family." Those hours equal more than $350,000 worth of services to the community, according to Airman and Family Readiness officials who organized the event. "We had a plethora of folks help recognize our selfless volunteers," said Mr. Jim Cheas, 325th Fighter Wing volunteer coordinator. "The majority of our volunteer base hours come from the medical group, chapel and the retiree affairs office. In addition, the Airman Family Readiness Center, the Airmen's Attic/Loan Closet and the Thrift Shop provide a large amount of volunteer services to our Airmen." The ceremony recognized President's Volunteer Service Award winners, which highlight Americans of all ages who have made a sustained commitment of volunteer service. The award - issued by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation on behalf of the President of the United States - honors individuals, families and groups who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service. This year Tyndall had recipients in the gold, silver and bronze categories, further broken down into adult, young adult, youth, and group categories. In recognition, recipients received a lapel pin and a certificate signed by the President of the United States. The ceremony also highlighted the top-level volunteers from the base. Civilian Volunteer of the Year: Mrs. Diana L. Shipton The Civilian Volunteer of the Year's attention to detail contributed a $620,000 savings to the 325th Fighter Wing Medical Group. Mrs. Shipton contributed 391 hours in the pharmacy, dispensed 125 new prescriptions annually, ensured a 99.99 percent accuracy rate and helped streamline the pharmacy process reducing customer wait time by 30 percent. She also volunteered more than 215 hours in 2012 to the Bay County Court House, filing more than 6,000 records. Retiree Volunteer of the Year: Mr. Robert Reeves The Retiree Volunteer of the Year volunteered 319 hours of his time to the 325th Medical Group pharmacy, where he helped dispense 99,000 refill prescriptions annually. Mr. Reeves assisted with return of unclaimed drug orders, and minimized inventory degradation. He is also community focused and manages church project funds with a $24,000 yearly budget. He is president of the local Rotary Club, and was a project officer for two fundraisers. He's also a civic leader and a member of a pilot organization Order of Daedalions. Active Duty Enlisted Volunteer of the Year: Staff Sgt. Travis A. Gregory, 325th Maintenance Operations Squadron. A member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, Staff Sergeant Gregory organized and led a team of 36 volunteers for the third annual visit to SIMS Veterans Home to establish rapport and camaraderie with 117 retired warriors. As an active booster club member, he rallied 24 members, and led three squadron fund raising events helping raise more than $4,500. He was his squadron's point of contact for International Beach Cleanup Day, leading 38 volunteers. He was the team captain for an Ironman event, rallying 35 volunteers to help raise $1.1 million for local charities. He was his squadron's POC for a March of Dimes fundraiser, raising $500; one of 30 members selected for color guard displaying the service's colors for a nationally televised game and showcasing the Air Force in front of four million viewers; and was the Air Force Sergeants Association Member of the Quarter, 4th Quarter, 2012. Angel Award Winner of the year: Mrs. Kathy Schmidt Mrs. Schmidt is known to her friends, family and church as the "go to" person, according to her award package. Whenever there is a need for a caregiver, Sunday school teacher, photographer or field trip chaperone, they call on this individual. When the church needs to be decorated, a church function needs to be set up and cleaned up afterwards, she is there. When a neighbors pet needs to be cared for, or when a friend, neighbor or church member is hospitalized, she is there to bring them a meal or to just hold their hand in comfort. Her compassion is not just for those who know her but to those throughout the community. She is a volunteer at the Tyndall AFB Airman's Attic, she helps feed the homeless and participates with the Department of Juvenile Justice, visiting youth and being the friend they desperately need. For more information on volunteering at Tyndall or the surrounding community, contact Mr. Cheas, at 283-4204.