News

Volunteers recognized for hard work, dedication

  • Published
  • By Wayne Crenshaw
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --   Robins has more than 25,000 employees who work hard here every day, but there are many who go even further than the call of duty on a regular basis.

On Wednesday, the Airman & Family Readiness Center honored 13 people for their volunteer efforts, both on base and in the community.

Nine people were given the Angel Award, which is a lifetime achievement award for years of volunteer service.

Four others won the Volunteer Excellence Award, which is authorized by the Air Force Chief of Staff to recognize federal civilian workers, their family members, military retirees and civilian retirees for their volunteer contributions.

"The folks we honored today certainly didn't expect an honor, but it is important that we gather here today because what they did was amazing," said Col. Debra Bean, vice commander of the 78th Air Base Wing. "They rocked our world."

Winners of the Volunteer Excellence Award were Robert Currey, a 402nd Maintenance Wing employee; Clyde Turner, a safety manager in the 78th Air Base Wing; Stephen Hoyt, a technician in the Air Force Reserve Command; and Ernie Munson, a retired chief master sergeant.

Mr. Currey has volunteered for three decades in local emergency management efforts, lending his expertise in radio communications to assist with emergency management and with search operations for missing persons. He has also volunteered by offering first aid at the Georgia State Fair and has served as a Boy Scout leader.

Mr. Turner is a senior pastor at a church that saw 20-percent growth last year, and he frequently counsels people on a range of personal issues. He also volunteers with the Department of Correction Outreach Program and has assisted in feeding the homeless.

Mr. Hoyt has been a volunteer firefighter in Jones County since 1994 and serves as fire chief in his district. Last year he responded to 16 fires and eight rescue calls. He also assisted with the 2008 Mother Day tornado response.

Mr. Munson is the current director of the Retiree Activities Office, where he volunteers three days per week. He also volunteers in the base pharmacy, where he provides assistance with verifying patient eligibility and handing out refilled medications.

Winners of the Angel Awards were Tracy Twedell, Dennis Shema, Dana Rozelle, Ray Martin, April Baker, Edmund Baker, Kenneth Toler, Richard W. "Bill" Elliott Jr., and Ceslie Beil.