KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Team Kirtland leadership lauded the installation’s 50,000-plus hours donated during 2017 with a volunteer recognition ceremony April 20 at the Mountain View Club.
Savannah Hewett, the 377 Security Forces Group’s Key Spouse, was named Volunteer of the Year. In addition to her work with military families as a key spouse, she also chairs the local chapter of Blue Star Families. Col. Richard Gibbs, 377th Air Base Wing commander, presented Hewett with the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal Award.
She was praised for “overseeing multiple programs affecting military and their families” in New Mexico and creating a “solid support network” for all military families in the state, according to the award citation. Also among her accomplishments were partnering with local businesses to meet the needs of the military community and increase opportunities for “learning, growing and thriving.”
Hewett, who has been volunteering and a key spouse for the majority of her husband’s 12 years of military service, said she’s found her purpose in helping others.
“Over the last few years, I have really found my calling through volunteering,” she said. “Being a military spouse and having a husband in Security Forces, I know how difficult life can be for military families.”
This isn’t Hewett’s first award. In fact, being named the Air Force Materiel Command Key Spouse for 2011 led to sharpening her focus on supporting military families. With the award came a trip to Washington, D.C. and a meeting with the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.
“CMSAF [James] Roy told us that we were in an age where we had to do a lot more with a lot less, so that really set the tone for me. I realized that there’s a need for certain programs and support, so I really developed a passion for it,” Hewett said.
In addition to Hewett, the following nominees were recognized for exceptional contributions as volunteers in 2017:
Master Sgt. Christopher Morgan; Master Sgt. Veronica Williams; Staff Sgt. Kevin Delong; Dr. Imelda Atencio, Dr. Jake Grosek; Hillary Hock; Dorreen Caruso; MaryKay Chapman; Dr. Alan Paxton; Stacy Sandoval, Dr. Noah Van Zandt.
The following teams/units were also cited for giving their time and effort through volunteering:
Key Spouses; Kirtland Spouses Club; Kirtland Air Force Base Thrift Shop; 377th Medical Group; Base Legal and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance volunteers; Outdoor Recreation; American Red Cross; Retiree Activities Office.