Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank (left) commanding general, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, and Command Sgt. Maj. David W. Bass (right), JRTC and Fort Polk command sergeant major, are presented with an oversized check in the amount of $824,633.68, the amount of money saved because of volunteer efforts at Fort Polk. Between them, from left, are the 2019 Volunteers of the Year: Angie Donahue, Amber Orr, Rachel Steele, Natalia Langston and Allyson Gavin on behalf of her husband, Sgt. Shawn Galvin.
Fort Polk volunteers honored at CG banquet
By Jean Dubiel
Guardian Staff Writer
May 3, 2019
FORT POLK, La. — Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commanding general of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, recognized the selfless efforts of Fort Polk’s volunteer workforce with a banquet at the Warrior Center April 25.
While 48 volunteers were in attendance, Frank said they were the representation of some 1,000 volunteers spread throughout the installation that have provided 33,000 hours of service over the past year.
“If our garrison commander, Colonel (Jarrett) Thomas paid the salary for these incredible volunteers, it would be valued at $824,000 — almost a million dollars. That is exceptional,” said Frank. “These volunteers have dramatically impacted the quality of life that we enjoy here at JRTC and Fort Polk.”
Frank said it was important to recognize how the contributions of these individuals help make Fort Polk the Home of Heroes.
“This is one of the most important events that we do in our calendar year,” he said. “We bring (together) our very high-end volunteers and give them a special evening, so all of us in uniform can tip our hat and salute each of them. Congratulations and thank you for what you do for us.”
Volunteers were nominated to be the volunteer of the year for five categories. They include:
Family Readiness Group nominees
Sgt. Marynelsie Abreu, Spc. Michael Ater, Sgt. Edna Avitia, Karina Braun, Sgt. Tiffany Brown, Brittney Bush, Ashley Cox, Chanise Davis, Rebecca Henson, Staff Sgt. Timothy Kroon, Lisa Lyles, Lauren Martin, Sophia McMillion, Cassie Morrison, Jasmin Morrow, Luna Mulligan, Martina Piazzon, 1st Sgt. Rodney Rieger, Colleen Rodenberger, Julie Rush, Troy Salmond, Kristine Schou, Ashley Shelton, Paul Shumpert, Rachel Steele, Amy Stein, Sarah Sweetser, Pfc. Matthew Tartt, Maj. Abraham Umanah and Spc. Jelani Williams.
• Family Readiness Group Volunteer of the Year winner: Rachel Steele.
Large community group nominees
Katie Davis, Jennifer Dignazio, Angie Donahue, Chandra Fillmore, Carmen Mercado, Cassie Morrison and Diana Wu.
• Large community group Volunteer of the Year winner: Angie Donahue
Small community group nominees
Sgt. Jessica Alvarez, Spc. Dajon Davis, Amber Orr, Brynn Rivera and Samantha Rowlands.
• Small community group Volunteer of the Year: Amber Orr
Child and Youth Services group nominees
Shanon Anthony, Air Force TSgt. Daniel Blest, Sgt. Shawn Galvin and Ana Murray.
• Child and Youth Services group Volunteer of the Year: Sgt. Shawn Galvin.
Youth division group nominees
Emily Glenn and Natalia Langston.
• Youth division group Volunteer of the Year: Natalia Langston
The following overall Volunteers of the Year won a an engraved crystal plaque and $100 gift card:
The JRTC and Fort Polk installation youth Volunteer of the year: Natalia Langston.
Langston volunteers with the Child and Youth Services Youth Sports Program at Fort Polk. She coached youth soccer during the spring and fall seasons, focusing on fundamental skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, fair play, cooperation and enjoyment of the sport. She encourages parents to participate and get involved in their children’s growth. Her patience while working with the youngest participants was outstanding as evidenced by the enthusiasm and joy seen on the faces of the children she worked with as they attended practice. Her involvement in the youth sports program has played a role its success.
The JRTC and Fort Polk adult Volunteer of the Year: Rachel Steele.
Steele is paving a new path to demonstrate that career spouses and Families can find ways to connect and support the Army in a volunteer capacity. She serves as volunteer coordinator in the Fort Polk Spouses’ Club, supporting and promoting monthly social events and fundraising. She is the club’s point of contact, keeping the club up-to-date on volunteer requirements and certifying hours. Serving as an Operations Group general volunteer, she focuses on the Soldiers and Families of Task Force 1. Steele is a reliable volunteer that empowers others with knowledge and resources.
After the presentation of awards and certificates, the winners of each of the five categories presented an oversized check to Frank with the total dollar amount of their service contribution to Fort Polk — $824,633.68.