Kadena recognizes its’ outstanding volunteers

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Angelique Perez
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Kadena honored its volunteers at the Rocker NCO Club during the annual volunteer recognition ceremony April 23. 

The ceremony recognized nominees in the various categories for the Angel and Volunteer Excellence Awards as well as awarded a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. 

The ceremony took place during National Volunteer Week, established in 1974 by former President Richard Nixon to celebrate the numerous contributions of volunteers in our society, and recognized the over 200,000 volunteer hours that Team Kadena has compiled. 

"National Volunteer Week focuses on the impact and power of volunteerism in our community," said event coordinator Allisa Shepard, a community readiness technician at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "This week is important because it is our way of saying thank you to all our volunteers. It allows us to reflect on the contributions volunteers have given to Kadena and the local community over the past year."

Jiri Crowder, chief of the Airman and Family Readiness Center, spoke of the significant contributions of base volunteers. She made her point by talking about some of the programs that would not be around if it weren't for the volunteers who make them possible such as the Kadena Gift Corner, youth sports programs, Red Cross, the loan locker, Special Olympics and many more.

"Kadena can never repay our volunteers," she said, "nor would they accept payment for their selflessness. Today's ceremony is our formal effort to give heartfelt thanks to every Team Kadena volunteer and express our sincere gratitude for their dedication to Team Kadena. Thank you, volunteers!" 

Gen. Brett Williams presented Master Sgt. Delmus Gillis, from the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, with the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his outstanding contributions to the Kadena Chapel, youth activities, and school sports programs.

"My favorite part about volunteering is meeting new people," said Sergeant Gillis, "interacting with people, and giving back to people because I feel that I've been given so much. I like feeling like I've been an influence in people's lives."

Mrs. Vanessa Warren, from the Kadena Parent Teacher Organization, earned the Annual Volunteer Excellence Award.

The following individuals and squadron were the recipients of the Angel Award which recognizes their contributions to the community:

Active Duty: Capt Maralyn Roedder, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron
Civilian: Mr. Kenneth Lyons, 18th Force Support Squadron
Family Member: Mrs. Tamara Smith, Kadena Officer's Spouses Club
Retiree: Mrs. Betty Patrick, Loan Locker
Youth: Ms. Trashawn Cole, Teen Center
Civilian Local National: Nobuyoshi Uehara, Airman and Family Readiness Center
Team Kadena Group: 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron

For those looking for opportunities to volunteer, the possibilities are endless. The Airman and Family Readiness Center alone offers three different types of volunteer options. Those interested can enroll in the Job Experience and Training program, become traditional volunteers, or sign up for special events. 

The J.E.T. program is attractive to those just entering the job market that are looking for ways to gain experience to add to their resume. The 12-week program allows the volunteer to work closely with an organization for 20 hours per week until they acquire 240 hours of supervised training. When completed the volunteer receives a certificate of completion as well as a letter of recommendation. 

The Kadena Loan Locker, 18th Force Support Squadron Marketing, Key Spouse program, Uncle Sam's Attic, Red Cross, Kadena Gift Corner and teen center are just a few more places where individuals can go to volunteer.