Annual Awards Luncheon
Last week, the Sousley Campus auditorium hosted an awards luncheon recognizing the contributions of 40 volunteers from the Veterans Affairs (VA). Predominantly veterans themselves, these volunteers dedicate their own time and expenses to assist fellow servicemen and women, an act that garners respect and gratitude but is not devoid of its own difficult moments as observed by acting Lexington VA Director Phil Brown.
“You see folks at their best, right? But also, you see them at their worst… You’re often one of the last faces that our veterans get to see. And being there for them, being there for their families in their time of need is of utmost importance“.
Awards and Recognition
The annual event, akin to a military awards ceremony, commenced with the national anthem and an invocation. The volunteers were then presented with their boxes of lunch with an award presentation following suit. The veteran volunteers were honored for their hard work, dedication, and impact on the veterans and the community at large.
Among the award recipients was Donna Cornett, a veteran who served 20 years in the Army as a meteorologist and MP. She expressed how rewarding the experience of volunteering is. “Serving at a veteran’s funeral is a privilege… When the younger generation comes up to me and says, ‘Thank you for your service.’ It just touches your heart“, she shared.
Service Beyond the Call
Another volunteer appreciated at the luncheon was Jay Hoskins, who served as a base civil engineer in the Air Force from 1965 to 1970. For veteran Brian Kinney, a former gunners’ mate in the Navy, the opportunity to volunteer at the VA goes beyond lending a hand. It’s a chance to meet remarkable veterans, including a Tuskegee Airman and a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge.
The final and most prestigious award, the Troy Bowling Award, was accorded to 89-year-old Doyle Rambo. Named after a VA veteran known for over 70,000 volunteer hours, the award was a surprise for Rambo who mentioned, “I had no idea. There’s more people I’m sure, who could have received it. But I’m thankful”, he said. For Rambo, the best part of volunteering is the “fellowship with people. Making people happy”.
The VA luncheon not only recognized the contributions of the unsung heroes of the veteran community but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and love for service beyond the call of duty.
Members of the community and others were encouraged to join in supporting the crucial work of VA volunteers by donating to support VA’s efforts.