Fort Belvoir recognizes volunteers for nearly $5 million worth of work

A ceremonial check representing the dollar equivalent of the time that Fort Belvoir volunteers served this year was presented at the luncheon. (Antoine Perry image)

Kicking off this week’s observance of National Volunteer Week, the Fort Belvoir Army Volunteer Corps last Friday held a luncheon in honor of the more than 2,000 military and civilian volunteers from the base and surrounding community who support the installation’s families and operations.

In line with the event theme, “Fort Belvoir Volunteers: We Salute You!”, Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Chris Tomlinson and Command Sgt. Maj. Corey Perry presented certificates of appreciation to representatives of 20 volunteer organizations. The organizations ranged from the American Red Cross to the Fort Belvoir Library to the United Services Organization (USO), which alone has around 300 volunteers serving at the USO Warrior & Family Center at Fort Belvoir.

Tomlinson credited volunteers with helping contribute to mission readiness.

“We couldn’t provide the quality of programs we do without them,” he said.

Attendees of the luncheon, which was held at the Fort Belvoir Community Center, were entertained by the Mount Vernon High School Chamber Quartet and “Vocal Recall” choral ensemble. At the event’s conclusion, organizers unveiled a ceremonial check in the amount of $4,877,684.00 — the dollar equivalent of the time that Fort Belvoir volunteers reported serving in the last year.

According to Laureen Dupree, employment readiness and volunteer programs manager with Army Community Service (ACS), most volunteer organizations on post accept civilians, though some may require a background check. She said the National Museum of the United States Army will be looking for “a large number of volunteers” when it is ready to recruit.

This Saturday, April 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Fort Belvoir is joining with the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce in the spring cleanup of Jeff Todd Way and other roads around the military base. Volunteers will gather at the Candlewood Suites at 8847 Richmond Highway.

Additionally, on Thursday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the ACS and the Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program will hold their Spring 2018 Career Fair at the Fort Belvoir Community Center. The event is open to all transitioning service members, veterans, retirees, military family members and DoD ID card holders.