Eielson’s volunteers continue tradition Published April 25, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Zachary Perras 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- As part of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, Eielson acknowledged its volunteer force at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on April 17. Eielson's 1,203 volunteers donated 31,711 hours of service during 2011, saving the wing and the surrounding community $677,341.62. Their efforts were acknowledged and awards were presented to those who went above and beyond during the past calendar year. "Eielson has a proud tradition of volunteering and playing a major role in turning the base, Salcha, North Pole and Fairbanks into a cohesive community," said Richard Hageman, 354th Force Support Squadron community readiness technician at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "This tradition definitely continued in 2011." The individuals acknowledged continually stepped forward and accumulated enough hours to be recognized through the Presidential Volunteer Service Award program. The program recognizes those who put in more than 100 hours of volunteer service during the preceding calendar year. Eielson had 74 Icemen who met this criterion: 50 bronze-level winners - 100 to 250 hours of service; 16 silver-level winners - 250 to 500 hours of service; and 8 gold-level award winners - more than 500 hours of service. Click here for the complete list of award recipients. "Some of these individuals may have only contributed a few hours, but it helped meet a need in our community and may have had a profound impact on the receiving child, adult, or program that they supported," said Hageman. "[They] led our volunteer force in making countless contributions to our community." To seek volunteer opportunities or turn in volunteer hours, contact the AFRC at 377-2178.