FORT IRWIN, Calif. — Nine community volunteers were recognized on April 6 at the Sandy Basin Community Center during the National Training Center and Fort Irwin’s annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.
“Fort Irwin volunteers make this installation a better place,” Army Community Service Specialist Evelyn Sandoval-Villalobos said. “Their commitment to the community provides more services to our soldiers and family members, which enhances the quality of life here on the installation.”
Winning NTC Volunteer of the Year award was Staff Sgt. William Holcomb from the 1916th Support Battalion. Holcomb has been heavily involved in volunteer opportunities on Fort Irwin, as well as Silver Valley High School.
“One of my biggest achievements during my three years here at NTC was mentoring high school students in California Cadet Corps,” Holcomb said. “It’s a sense of giving back and putting a smile on someone’s face. I’ve been on the other side of the spectrum, relying on help from volunteers in my community. This wasn’t about the recognition, it was about me ensuring my community doesn’t face the same hardships I did.”
Maj. Gen. David Lesperance and Command Sgt. Maj. William A. Justice— former commander and current Sergeant Major of the NTC— alongside the Fort Irwin Garrison Command Team, Col. Jeanette Martin and Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Fedorisin, presented all awards to the volunteers.
At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Sandoval-Villalobos presented a check to the Garrison Command team for $332,248, which represented the 12,215 community service hours that all volunteers worked this year.
Congratulations to all of the 2021 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony Awardees:
• 11th ACR: SFC Rogen Cabungason
• OPS Group: Krista Parker
• 916th Support Brigade: Megan Six
• RSO: Leslie Korman
• Active Duty Soldier: SSG William Holcomb
• Private Organization: Ashley Glenz
• Outstanding Boy/Girl Scout: Jason A.
• Over 500 hours volunteered: Genevieve Null
If interested in volunteering with ACS, volunteers are needed as program assistants, office/administrative, special events, and booth support. Anyone wanting to volunteer can reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator at 760-380-8422.
