RED CLOUD GARRISON - "Hand in Hand" is the theme USAG-RC and 2nd Infantry Division chain of command used to describe the extraordinary gifts made by Area I volunteers as they hosted a Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony in Mitchell's Club, April 22.
"Today we are celebrating and promoting the new and selfless volunteers who have given a great deal of time to make a difference in our lives and for others," said Debbie Morgan, wife of Maj. Gen. John W. Morgan III, commanding Gen. 2nd Infantry Division, and guest speaker for the volunteer recognition awards ceremony.
The event honored volunteers from Warrior Country and the work they have done since November last year. All volunteers were invited to the ceremony and volunteers with more than 25 hours of service were awarded certificates of appreciation.
Col. Larry 'Pepper' Jackson, USAG-RC commander, introduced Debbie. Jackson spoke of how her 40 plus years in the military community pointed to her being a strong advocate for Family Readiness Groups for 15 years and the Better Opportunities for Single and Unaccompanied Soldiers program.
Jackson also shared with the audience how she is helping her two daughters, Taylor and Courtney, learn the importance of volunteering and giving back to their community and their country.
She told the audience our volunteers provide a pivotal role in the lasting improvements and success of Soldiers and Family members within Warrior Country and spoke about how her volunteering has benefited herself and others.
"Over the last 18 months these volunteers have donated more than 5,000 hours of their time and have saved our community more than $75, 000," she said. "The feeling of volunteering is almost like being addicted, but a good addiction and my experience for more than 40 years has been nothing if not rewarding and has been a big part of my life."
Denise James, director, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, gave the closing remarks leaving the audience with words from George Bernard Shaw:
"I am of the opinion my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do whatever I can. I would want to be thoughtfully used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. Life is no brief candle to me, it is a splendid torch which I have for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."