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Shaw celebrates volunteers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jensen Stidham
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  More than 100 people attended the volunteer appreciation breakfast held at the Carolina Skies Club and Conference Center here, April 7.

Guest speaker retired Chief Master Sgt. Lefford Fate spoke about volunteering, shared stories from his favorite book, and encouraged everyone to thank the volunteers they know.

"Go back to your flights and squadrons and thank all of the volunteers for the impact they have made," said Fate.

During the breakfast Col. Clay Hall, 20th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Charles Mills, 20th FW command chief, presented Sarah Mier with a certificate of volunteer excellence. Mier volunteers as the 20th Security Forces Squadron key spouse and spends time helping in several other programs.

One of Hall's three priorities is taking care of Airmen and their families, and volunteers play a huge part in making sure that priority is met.

"I've spent a lot of time and energy figuring out how we can take care of Airmen and their families, and if it wasn't for [the volunteers] we couldn't make it happen," said Hall.

Throughout Shaw AFB, approximately 500 volunteers take the time to give back to the Airmen and base.

It is estimated that if contracted out, the work that is done by volunteers would amount to more than $2 million.

"We wanted to take the time to look you in the eye and say thank you," said Hall.