By Paul Bello
Staff writer
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Army Community Service recognized the hard work and dedication of Fort Belvoir’s volunteers during a tea and luncheon Friday at the Sosa Building.
The event coincided with National Volunteer Week. The theme for this year –“Celebrating People in Actions” - reflects the power volunteers have in enhancing the quality of life of others through their time and talents, said Faitheleen Henderson, Belvoir’s volunteer corps manager.
Volunteers have put in close to 200,000 hours and have saved Belvoir a little more than $4.2 million, according to Henderson.
“So much happens on this installation because of our volunteers. They have touched so many lives and have really stepped up for the good of our community,” said Col. John Strycula, Belvoir garrison commander. “It’s the Army’s promise to continue our pledge of giving back to our volunteers through the Army Family Covenant and Army Community Covenant.”
This year’s recognition ceremony featured guest speaker Trina Mayhan-Webb. She is a volunteer coordinator with Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services and heads up a program called Cluster Care. This program coordinates volunteers who help seniors with grocery shopping, transportation and various household chores.
Volunteers are a value that can never be put into words, Mayhan-Webb said.
“They carry the torch towards a better life and an even better community,” she said. “Their heart is big, but their impact is enormous.”
For some attendees, volunteering has given them so much more than something to do.
“People are friendly and accepting. Though, it goes much deeper than that,” said Patricia Ames who volunteers with Belvoir’s Employment Readiness Program. “We’re members of a team, but we’re also members of a family. That’s how many of us feel.”
Anyone interested in volunteering through ACS should call 703-805-4152.
