Kadena honors more than 30 volunteers for extensive service

Awards and certificates are arranged to be given to winners during a volunteer recognition ceremony on Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 11, 2014. During the event, Kadena recognized more than 30 volunteers for a collective 563,771 hours to the Kadena community. In terms of minimum wage, the volunteers saved the Air Force a total of more than $12.8 million. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maeson L. Elleman)

Kadena honors more than 30 volunteers for extensive service

Volunteers honored in a recognition ceremony on Kadena Air Base, Japan, hold up a check representing the minimum wage amount they collectively saved the Air Force during the event April 11, 2014. The more than 30 volunteers worked a collective 563,771 hours in the Kadena community. In terms of minimum wage, the volunteers saved the Air Force a total of more than $12.8 million. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maeson L. Elleman)

Kadena honors more than 30 volunteers for extensive service

Published April 10, 2014
By Senior Airman Maeson L. Elleman
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Kadena recognized more than 30 volunteers for their extensive service during a ceremony at the Rocker NCO Club here April 11.

The service members, civilian government employees, and family members being honored in the event contributed a collective 563,771 hours to the Kadena community in an array of positions in the surrounding area. In terms of minimum wage, the volunteers saved the Air Force more than $12.8 million.

During the event, six Airmen each received a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, which requires a dedication of at least 500 hours of community service within two years.

The following is the list of the award recipients, by category:

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal:
Master Sgt. Jason L. Bowman, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey B. Green, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Tech. Sgt. Jeremy D. Alexander, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Senior Airman Sarah A. Cushing, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Senior Airman Robertkwann V. Taylor, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Airman 1st Class Bill N. Sauls, 18th Maintenance Group

Chapel:

Catholic Parish Outstanding Volunteer of the Year:
Mrs. Lorin Beier

Protestant Parish Outstanding Volunteer of the Year:
Mrs. Lizell Najera

Wired Bean Outstanding Volunteer of the Year:
Tech. Sgt. Kelly J. Hall, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron

Angel Award:

Active Duty:
Tech. Sgt. Jimmy Turner

Civilian Employee:
Ms. Isvi Pineda, Detachment 3, U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

Family Member:
Mrs. Courtney Walinski, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron

Youth:
Jasmine Basalisa Haru Ramirez

Local National:
Mr. Hiroki Koja, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron

Group and/or Unit:
Mr. John R. Lane, AECOM Technology Corporation

Youth Group:
Kadena Boys and Girls Club of America Torch and Keystone Clubs

Air Force Volunteer Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award:
Ms. Isvi Pineda, Detachment 3, U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine