AFRC announces annual volunteers of the year Published April 17, 2008 By Eve Robinson Volunteer reception coordinator OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Recently, the Osan Airman and Family Readiness Center held its 2007 Team Osan annual volunteer recognition reception and awards ceremony. "I feel it is important to recognize all our volunteers in a very special way and this is an opportunity we have to say 'thank you,'" said Sherri Kitchens, AFRC volunteer coordinator. This year, 17 active duty and civilian volunteers were nominated by their peers. Of the 17 nominees, eight were selected by a team of judges, earning the right to be called "Team Osan Volunteers of the Year." In addition, Monica Hoagland was awarded the Volunteer Excellence Award. During the ceremony, Mrs. Kitchens presented Col. Jon Norman, 51st Fighter Wing commander, a check for $2.2 million dollars. "The check is symbolic of the amount we save the base due to the efforts of the more than 1,600 volunteers." Mrs. Kitchens added that volunteers put in a total of 120,000 hours. "At $18.05 per hour, (determined by the Points of Light Foundation), those hours translate to more than $2.2 million in base savings," she said. She added that, although the check is just symbolic and not actual money, the interesting point is when funding is so low for base organizations, volunteers have stepped up and helped out. The Osan Elementary School kindergartner class, along with their music teacher, Shelly Downey, entertained the audience with several inspiring songs they learned to praise Osan volunteers. The following are the 2007 Volunteer of the Year winner: Administrative Service Category -- Staff Sgt. Nikki Holman -- Karyn Schreiber Direct Service Category -- Tech. Sgt. John Hall -- Monica Hoagland Service to Youth Category -- Tech. Sgt. Todd Weingeroff -- Capt. Joseph Chapman Youth Category -- Joi Branch -- Naomi McDonald