MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Combat Center leadership recognized a dozen volunteer program coordinators for their efforts during a ceremony at the Community Center April 20.
Sergeant Maj. James M. Ricker, Combat Center sergeant major, gave out 12 certificates of appreciation on behalf of the command and the community in front of more than 100 people who attended the event.
“All of us here have a finite amount of time, and these volunteers serve others with their free time, and I’m proud to recognize them,” said Ricker.
Presented to Ricker at the ceremony on behalf of the 730 volunteers in the programs was a check for $1,326,525 saved from the 92,764 hours of total volunteer service this past year.
"It's just mind-boggling to think of the small network of people who put forth so much time and energy. The fact that all of this comes from such a small group; I think that speaks enormous volumes for these great people," said Ricker.
Recognized at the event were the coordinators of the Key Volunteer Network, religious services, Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society, American Red Cross, Armed Services YMCA, Toys for Tots, Single Marine Program, retired affairs, L.I.N.K.S. spousal education program, the Doula prenatal care group, and others.
“You’ve been such a blessing to us so that we can be a blessing to others,” said Staff Sgt. Darryl Elliot, Combat Center Toys for Tots program coordinator.
Along with the handing out of certificates, a free raffle was held and door prizes were given away at the event.
“We are very grateful for the donations from [Marine Corps Community Services] and key volunteer contributions for our prizes,” said Christina Curtin, the volunteer program coordinator who organized the event and was the master-of-ceremonies.
“We had a great turnout today,” she said. “It’s too bad we can’t have everybody here, but some have moved onto bigger and better things.”
According to Ricker, Combat Center commanding general Brigadier Gen. Zilmer, could not attend the event at the last moment but offered words on his behalf.
“All of us here have a finite amount of time, and these volunteers serve others with their free time, and I’m proud to recognize them,” said Ricker.
“On behalf of General Zilmer, who could not be here today, I would like to express his gratitude and words to these volunteers,” said Ricker.
Ricker continued and spoke of the general’s sincerest thanks to the volunteers for giving of themselves to improve the lives of others at Twentynine Palms and the lives of those in the community.