Tyndall gives back to givers Published April 23, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tyndall Air Force Base hosted the annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception April 21 at the Community Center. "Today, we are recognizing volunteers, who gave up their time to assist Tyndall and the local community," said Anita M. Pembleton, Airman and Family Readiness Director. "We have been doing this for more than a decade." The event featured guest singer Ms. Margo Anderson, a presentation of awards, a speech from Col. James S. Browne, 325th Fighter Wing commander, and comments from Mr. T. Cornel Brock, Habitat for Humanity executive director. "When we join the Air Force we take an oath to serve others," said Colonel Browne. "So do volunteers. They epitomize the value of Service Before Self." Team Tyndall reported more than 35,000 volunteer hours in 2009 for a community savings of more than $708,000. Just within the last week, Tyndall has dedicated more than 250 hours to the building of the 20th Anniversary Habitat for Humanity home. This will be the Habitat for Humanity's 56th home in the surrounding area. "This country is so great because we are all willing to do so much for others," said Mr. Brock. "Bay County would not be what it is without Tyndall." Directly following the formal ceremony, all volunteers celebrated with an ice cream social.