Kirtland volunteers recognized for giving more than 62,000 hours

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Although Kirtland volunteers give time and service without expecting anything in return, the Airman & Family Readiness Center recognized their efforts anyway at the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony April 21.

Kyshia Newsome, A&FRC community readiness consultant, said it’s important to thank Kirtland volunteers for all their hard work and their efforts in supporting base programs. 

“Although obtaining recognition is not the goal of those who volunteer, it is extremely important to celebrate and reward those who have gone above and beyond,” Newsome said. 

The annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony honored 525 Kirtland volunteers who donated more than 62,000 hours over the past year.  

Ralph Kemp, 377th Logistics Readiness Squadron, was awarded the Volunteer Excellence Award for his selfless service to the community.  He volunteered 350 hours providing free vehicle maintenance for single mothers and the elderly, and coaching youth football.

“It feel very honored, but it was unnecessary,” Kemp said. “I volunteer with my son to show him what it means to be a good citizen. If I can help others while I’m doing that, then everyone wins.” 

The Volunteer Excellence Award is given annually by the 377th Air Base Wing commander on behalf of the Air Force chief of staff.  The award recognizes the long-term commitment made by military family members, retirees, and DoD civilian employees who have contributed to their communities over the course of their lives. 

To receive this award, an individual's service must be significant in character, produce tangible results and reflect favorably on the Air Force. Because of its significance, an individual may only be awarded one VEA in a lifetime.

Four active-duty Airmen were also recognized at the ceremony with the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, a medal that recognizes members of the military who perform substantial volunteer service to the local community above and beyond the duties required as a member of the Armed Forces.

-- Staff Sgt. John Lindner, 58th Operations Support Squadron, volunteered 1,375 hours with Sticks for Troops, a program that provides hockey equipment to deployed service members worldwide;

-- Staff Sgt. Laura Mendoza, 58th Operations Support Squadron, volunteered 1,200 hours to various organizations, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Hearts Apart and the New Mexico Purple Heart Association;

-- Tech. Sgt. Joelle Floria, 58th Special Operations Wing, volunteered 2,108 hours with the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, whose mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide;

-- Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Iverson, 898th Munitions Squadron, volunteered 410 hours at Outdoor Recreation, helping keep the climbing wall open to the Kirtland community after regular hours.