Lawrence G. Ward, 1stLt (Ret), (L) and Jacqueline Ward, (R) were both recognized for their volunteerismwith the President’s Volunteer Service Award Friday, April 17th at the Marine Club aboard Henderson Hall.

In his welcoming remarks, Colonel Roarke L. Anderson, Commanding Officer, Headquarters Battalion Henderson Hall, made this analogy: ‘‘One thing I learned about volunteers; never undervalue what volunteers can do. You have to remember: who built Noah’s Ark? Volunteers. Who built the Titanic? Professionals. Think about that and how important volunteers are to our society.” Col. Anderson thanked the volunteers for the sacrifices they have made to better the community and encouraged them to continue making contributions of their time.

Among the volunteers recognized at the luncheon, two were honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award: Jacqueline Ward, who volunteers as a L.I.N.K.S. mentor in the National Capital Region, and Lawrence G. Ward, 1stLt (Ret), who volunteers as the Retired Affairs Officer at Henderson Hall. Mr. Ward also volunteers at the United States Marine Corps War Memorial on weekends and with the Tutor and Buddy program on Tuesdays during his lunch time. He said simply, ‘‘It is a labor of love.” Jacqueline Ward and Lawrence Ward, while sharing the same family name, are not related.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a national honor recognizing volunteer service. Established in 2003 by former President George Bush, the award is available on an annual basis to individuals, groups, and families who have met or exceeded requirements for volunteer service and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering. As one of thousands of certifying organizations participating in the award program, MCCS Henderson Hall confers the award to recognize the outstanding achievements of its volunteers.

Guest speaker Sergeant Major Ronald L. Green, Headquarters Battalion Sergeant Major told a few anecdotes about the opportunities he has had to volunteer throughout his life and career. ‘‘You go to Iraq and do what you get paid to do, but my fondest memories in life are doing the things that you don’t get paid to do,” said Green.

SgtMaj Green spoke proudly of Mr. Larry Ward and the volunteer work that he does. ‘‘Mr. Ward is my mentor. He has served as a Marine and he is still serving as a volunteer. He is one of the ones who paved the way for us and he is still giving back.”

SgtMaj Green also expressed his appreciation for the volunteers by saying, ‘‘This is a great opportunity to recognize people who have dedicated themselves in helping to better the community.”

Yasmine D. Bell, the Family Readiness Program Trainer and Volunteer Coordinator who organized the second annual Henderson Hall volunteer luncheon said, ‘‘Volunteers who belong to our Henderson Hall ‘Beyond the Gates’ program contribute hundreds of hours of community service to so many areas of need. The luncheon is one way to pay tribute to these volunteers who give of their time and energy to help others.”

‘‘‘Beyond the Gates’ is the installation volunteer program designed to strengthen community ties and provide opportunities for personal growth to Marines and their families. The program promotes volunteer opportunities, maintains volunteer service logs, and recognizes volunteers annually. Program coordinators can also research volunteer opportunities in specific fields of interest and assist in documenting community service hours,” explained Bell.

According to Mike Flaherty, MCCS Henderson Hall School Liaison and coordinator of the Tutor and Buddy program, this program pairs volunteers from Henderson Hall with Barcroft Elementary School students. Volunteers give individual attention, assist with academics, and provide support in raising students’ expectations for success. ‘‘Our tutors and buddies do an outstanding job throughout the school year helping the students at our partnered Arlington County school. This luncheon provides an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our schools and community and to say thank you to all who volunteer,” said Flaherty.

Ms. Miriam Hughey-Guy, principal of Barcroft Elementary School, thanked the Marines for what they do for our country and for setting an example for her students to follow. ‘‘You help our students become more successful in their academics as well as their behaviors,” said Hughey-Guy.

In an April 8, 2009, the Commandant of the Marine Corps ALMAR message on Volunteer Appreciation Month, General James T. Conway, said, ‘‘Marine Corps volunteers are the elite few who put community first; they are the strongest and most dedicated across the services; they recognize that if the Marine and their family are not ready, readiness suffers. They don’t look for monetary gain or praise; their reward lies in the ‘thank you’ from the Marines and family members they assist. Our volunteers recognize they are an important piece of our community and, through the strength of their convictions and knowledge of purpose; they contribute daily to our ability to defend our nation.”

Volunteers are making a difference in the Marine Corps and in our community. There are volunteer opportunities that await your expertise. If you are interested in volunteering for the ‘‘Beyond the Gates” or the ‘‘Tutor and Buddy” programs, please contact MCCS Henderson Hall Marine Corps Family Team Building at 703-693-4840 or visit https:⁄⁄mccsvolunteering.org⁄custom⁄500⁄.