Area volunteers honored for their community work
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on August 24, 2005 1:46 PM
Five local people received Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Awards and another was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at a ceremony Tuesday.
Volunteer awards went to Technical Sgt. Greg Wilson, Pat Faircloth, Ann Adams, Durwood Bostic and Suzanne Tyner. Emily Weil received the Long Leaf Pine award.
Wilson is stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and is a volunteer firefighter in his off-duty time. He responded to 78 of the 128 emergency rescue calls his station received last year, and performed a variety of other duties, including teaching fire safety to children, according to his nomination form.
Ms. Faircloth volunteers with the Guardian Ad Litem program. Her nomination form included the statement that she "ensured at least 24 children were moved to safer homes after their cases were so severe they were brought into the court system."
Ms. Adams volunteers 10 to 20 hours a week at Britthaven. "Her loving spirit goes a long way with the residents when she shares a smile and her patience while playing Bingo, assisting with crafts or transporting to and from activities," her nomination read. Ms. Adams also helps with fundraisers at Britthaven.
Bostic serves in several leadership positions with the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross. He guides staff responding to single-family fires, procures resources that enable the chapter to accomplish its mission and fills the role of director of emergency services when needed.
"His intuitive style is an asset in an agency where time is critical. When a disaster occurs elsewhere in our nation, this dedicated individual is there within 24 hours," according to his nomination form.
Ms. Tyner is a volunteer with the Wayne County Humane Society, doing such projects as a membership drive, office reorganization and a Fur Bowl fundraiser. "Suzanne is an amazing source of strength and dedication to everyone she comes in contact with, as she motivates to serve those that address animal welfare issues," her nomination read. "She is a true example of volunteerism from the heart."
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is presented to individuals who have a proven record of service to North Carolina. It is among the most prestigious awards presented by the governor.
Ms. Weil has provided leadership in several areas. She is a member of the Wayne Historical Society, the Colonial Dames, Goldsboro Woman's Club and the David Williams Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is one of the founders of the annual De-Rail-A-Bration celebration in Wayne County. She is active in many more organizations.
The speaker for the ceremony held at First Presbyterian Church was Reginald R. Holley, deputy state director with Sen. Elizabeth Dole's office. He said the greatest honor one can pay is recognition of the value of volunteers.
"We're here to honor five very special citizens who've given themselves to the highest call of service," he said. "They put out fires, ensure the safety of children and find homes for the state's unwanted animals. Volunteerism takes on many focuses."
Volunteers give of their time and resources, Holley said. "They say to someone, 'I believe in you; you are important.' They create possibilities where others may not see them."
Holley noted that in today's world, there are endless demands on people's time. "What's special about volunteers is their willingness to give of their time despite these constraints. Volunteers are some of the busiest people in the world."
He said volunteers also focus their energy on the less-fortunate and those often forgotten.