Photo By Vanessa Flores | On June 2, White Sands Missile Range held a Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony for the...... read more read more
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WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. (June 2, 2022) - White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) held a Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony for the volunteers of the community on post. Every year, the U.S Army Garrison White Sands Missile Range’s Army Community Service (ACS) office organizes this event as a thank you to their volunteers. Hosting and partaking in the event was WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric D. Little, Command Sgt. Maj. Jose G. Melendez, Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Devin Winnegan and Chaplain (Col.) Brian Chepey.
The annual ceremony kicked off in the ACS Community Room, with Yolanda Hingel, ACS Director and master of ceremonies, who provided opening remarks, an invocation by Chepey, and the singing of the U.S. national anthem, led by WSMR BOSS President, Cpl. Chelsea Scott.
“Volunteering is important to White Sands because it unites us, and we can continue to serve whether you are military or military spouse,” said Hingel. “There are many people here who love to serve. Volunteering here is needed and appreciated. Everybody has a purpose, and we help push the mission, whether it is the mission of families or the Soldiers' mission. When you volunteer, everybody touches the community and makes something happen.”
Following additional comments from Winnegan, Little and Melendez presented certificates to all WSMR volunteers, including the Youth Volunteer of the Year, Andrea Poches, and Adult Volunteer of the Year, James “JT” Thomas.
The Emma Marie Baird Award was presented for the first time on WSMR to Maria Pangborn, ACS Specialist, and Program Manager. This prestigious award was established in 1988, honoring the late Lt. Col. Emma Marie Baird, the founder of ACS. Pangborn currently works at WSMR, but she was a dedicated volunteer prior to her employment.
“Between my volunteering and being a paid staff member for the past ten months, I have completed two years at ACS. Each day has been a blessing, and I am so thankful to God for leading me here two years ago,” said Pangborn.
Pangborn holds a masters in Mental Health Counseling. Upon receiving the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award, she was offered a position at the WSMR ACS and has been heavily invested in serving the community, service members, and their families.
“I want to thank my amazing Director, Ms. Yolanda Hingel, for nominating me for the Emma Marie Baird Award. I would also like to thank her for believing in me, mentoring me, and encouraging me in all I do. When I doubted my ability to do something, she did not. I have only had two wonderful bosses in my life, and Ms. Yolanda is one of them. I am so thankful for her.”
Pangborn also said that COVID-19 took so much from many people, and it has been a fantastic experience to give back knowing that she can help those people. To her, giving kindness daily is important.
“You also never know what opportunities will come your way when you volunteer. I highly recommend getting involved in your community, whether on or off base, to volunteer,” said Pangborn. “It is a great way to get out of the house, get out of your comfort zone, and engage with your community. It opens so many doors.”
ACS is currently looking for volunteers for their facility and programs. To learn more about these volunteer opportunities, you can reach out to ACS by calling: (575) 678-6767, and a team member will help you.
| Date Taken: | 06.03.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2022 13:05 |
| Story ID: | 422123 |
| Location: | WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NEW MEXICO, US |
| Web Views: | 79 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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