Shining Stars
MCAS holds volunteer recognition ceremony
April is National Volunteer Month, and military installations across the country have been honoring their service members and family members for their on-base volunteer efforts, as well as volunteer efforts in surrounding communities.
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma held a volunteer recognition ceremony on Wednesday morning, April 24. “This event is to recognize our service members and our family members or civilians in their volunteer efforts throughout the year,” said Amanda Watkins, Installation Volunteer Coordinator.
Three different award categories were honored at the event. First, units and organizations had the opportunity to nominate a ‘Volunteer of the Year’. An active duty service member (Cpl. Genaro Gomez, VMU-1), a family member/civilian (Adam Ghannoum, VMFA-211) and an overall community impact recipient
(Cpl. Alex Burton, Youth Sports) were each honored with this award.
“Cpl. Gomez is recognized as the epitome of what is looked for in young Marines,” Watkins said. “Highlights of Cpl. Gomez’ volunteer service include coaching multiple youth sports leagues, refereeing All-marine sports soccer, mentorship at [Valley Horizon Elementary School] and volunteering at various events throughout the year.”
“Adam [Ghannoum] currently volunteers for the Yuma Search and Rescue Team and is also a volunteer on the Board of Directors for 22 Jumps, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for traumatic brain injury research and veteran suicide prevention,” Watkins said.
“Cpl. Burton is described as innovative, caring and committed,” Watkins said. “His impact on the youth sports program has gone above and beyond.”
For the second award category, on-base units had the opportunity to nominate an additional top volunteer within their unit, and for the third category, 15 active duty service members were awarded with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, broken into bronze, silver and gold levels based on volunteer hours in 2023.
“I’ve never been on a base where there are so many volunteer opportunities and so many people eager to participate in volunteer activities,” said Col. Jared Stone, Commanding Officer of MCAS. “There are a lot of folks all over this base who participate in making our community great, and I appreciate you all very much.”
Marines and their families can sign up to volunteer for a variety of events throughout the year, including at local schools, road clean-ups, beautifying the community and youth sports.
A panel convenes every year to judge award nominees based on a scoring rubric broken down by efforts throughout the year, individual impact on their organizations, and hours served.
“Last year, I was a receiving award person for my volunteer efforts, so it’s neat to be on the opposite side and hosting it this year,” Watkins said. She continues her volunteer efforts by getting involved in spouse events, coaching a kickball team and assisting spouses in policy and resources regarding Permanent Change of Station (PCS).
Watkins said that if any organizations in the local community are looking for volunteers, MCAS is always looking for opportunities to get involved and volunteer in and around Yuma. Reach out to Mcasyumaivc@usmc-mccs. org to present your volunteer opportunity, and Watkins and MCAS are glad to provide volunteer Marines and family members.