A&FRC recognizes with volunteer awards Published May 28, 2010 By Lindsay Simmons Spangdahlem Airman & Family Readiness Center SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The Airman & Family Readiness Center recognized volunteers from across the base and geographically separated units April 16. Despite spring break trips, exercise preparations and weather-related vacation extensions, more than 80 Sabers attended the Volunteer Recognition Extravaganza. This annual ceremony is designed to give back to those volunteers who dedicate so much of their time to making the 52nd Fighter Wing a better place to live, work and play. After socializing and enjoying ice cream, cake and refreshments, all award nominees were called to the stage and winners were announced. Competition was fierce this year, as the wing is lucky to have so many active volunteers. The Angel Award recognized volunteers who were enthusiastically engaged in community service and provided selfless contributions, enhancing the quality of life in our Saber community. The two Angel Award recipients were Jessica Silvia and Linsha Wingate. The Youth Excellence Award had two categories, ages 13 and younger and ages 14 and older. These award categories recognized students who have taken the initiative to involve themselves in the Saber community. The Youth Excellence Award recipient for the 13 and younger category was Kirstin Morin. The Youth Excellence Award recipient for the 14 and older category was Mateusz Malinowski. The Volunteer Leadership Award recognized two individuals whose commitment and dedication had a positive impact on the quality of life of youth and on our community as a whole. The Volunteer Leadership Award recipients were Staci Lueth and Suzy Waters. The Diversity Award recognized an individual who actively volunteered time and energy to several organizations and agencies. Our winner this year was Staff Sgt. Shallon Richard. The Saber Team Award went to a group of people who continuously volunteered their time and efforts to improve the 52nd FW. This year's Saber Team Award recipient was the Spangdahlem Spouses and Enlisted Members Club. The Volunteer Excellence Award recognized exceptional individuals who volunteered with an agency or organization in a sustained, direct and consequential nature. The VEA is a lifetime achievement award from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. The two Volunteer Excellence Award recipients were Dana Hodges and Staff Sgt. Tonea Johnson. The A&FRC would like to thank the Volunteer Advisory Committee, friends and family that came out to support the nominees and winners, and all the devoted Saber volunteers who help make the base a better place.