CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The Camp Pendleton Armed Forces YMCA hosted its 70th annual Board Installation and Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Pacific Views Event Center, Jan. 24.
The dinner honors Camp Pendleton’s volunteers, and awards civilian volunteer of the Year, event volunteer of the year, program volunteer of the year and employee of the year.
The event’s guest speaker, Brig. Gen John W. Bullard, the commanding general for the Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, conveyed his gratitude for the contributions and efforts of the civilians and service members on Camp Pendleton.
He said all the volunteer efforts, outstanding donations and contributions resonate in the lives of thousands of military families throughout the surrounding community. Especially during joyous yet financially straining times of the year.
“Seeing the eyes of the children light up during Christmas after getting those gifts is such a wonderful sight,” Brig. Gen. Bullard explained to the volunteers and organizations that were in attendance. “We can’t thank you enough for all you have done.”
Awards were presented to individuals and organization in honor of their support and contributions in the following categories:
2013 Program Volunteer of the Year – American Friends of our Armed Forces
2013 Event Volunteer of the Year – Fluor Corp.
2013 Civilian Volunteer of the Year – George Young
2013 Employee of the Year – Jamie Buchannan
According to the Pendleton ASYMCA website more than 200 individuals provided 4,000 hours of volunteer time annually, in support of service members and their families.
“We would not have been able to improve the military family’s quality of life without the support and dedication of our volunteers,” the website read. “Every day, members of our local community stand with us in support of programs and services designed to assist our military members and their families. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and are reflective of all ages.”
In addition to the dinner, Ingo Hentschel handed off the installation board chair gavel to Jose Perez, relinquishing the chair title and responsibilities to Perez. Hentschel’s held the position from 2009 to 2013.