Weeklong event honors Tyndall volunteerism

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joshua Stevens
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Across the United States, the week of April 19 to 25 is National Volunteer Week "Celebrating People in Action," and to celebrate the work and dedication of Tyndall volunteers, various base agencies are recognizing their efforts with daily special events.

"Volunteerism is part of what makes America great," said Catherine Tarrant, Tyndall Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant. "It's people working to make their communities better and our nation stronger."

Each day will consist of different appreciation events at several locations across the base. To participate and be recognized, volunteers will need to stop by the AFRC and pick up a volunteer pin so the base agencies sponsoring the events can verify their volunteer status.

The events each day of volunteer week here are:

Sunday, April 19
The chapel will include special recognition for volunteers during their services.

Monday, April 20
The Raptor Lanes will offer volunteers half-price games (75 cents) and $1.50 shoe rentals, and the library will feature a volunteer display throughout the remainder of the week.

Tuesday, April 21
The commissary will offer two events. First, at 9 a.m. there will be free coffee and cake served in the bakery, and later, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., there store will conduct tours. To sign up for a tour, volunteers should call (850) 283-4825 and ask to speak to either Jo Smith or Steve Paros.

Wednesday, April 22
The Tyndall Base Exchange Main Store will offer a special 10 percent discount on any one single item, not to exceed $50. Volunteers will need to ensure they are authorized patrons and are wearing the AFRC volunteer pin.

Thursday, April 23
The Tyndall Federal Credit Union will have an open house at the base branch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and door prizes will be given throughout the day.

Friday, April 24
The base will host its annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Community Activities Center. Reservations can be made by contacting the AFRC at (850) 283-4204 or 4205.

Members of Tyndall's Volunteer Advisory Council selected the more than 70 winners and nominees who will be recognized at the reception, Ms. Tarrant said. The board members consist of a chaplain, a first sergeant and a recruited civilian supervisor. Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Van Vleet, 325th Fighter Wing command chief, also serves as an advisor to the council.

The awards going to volunteer winners will be: the Team Tyndall Volunteer of the Year Award; two Volunteer Excellence Awards signed by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Norton Schwartz; the Angel Award; and 70 President's Volunteer Service Awards, signed by the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush.

"The fact we have so many volunteers to recognize speaks directly to the heart of the people we have here at Tyndall," Chief Van Vleet said. "The many hours amassed by Team Tyndall translate into real, positive changes for the communities we live in. Our Total Force of Airmen, civilian employees and family members does great things every day, but to volunteer is to go above and beyond, only further in-keeping with our core value of 'Excellence in All We Do.'"

For more information on National Volunteer Week or to volunteer in general, contact Ms. Tarrant by calling the AFRC at (850) 283-4204 or 4205.