Volunteers and spouses of the Kansas Army National Guard were recognized by G1 Personnel Support Services during a ceremony April 23 in Wichita as part of a Wellness Workshop hosted by Soldier and Family Readiness.
The event kicked off with a welcome from Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, the adjutant general, and his wife, Mary Weishaar.
“Families are our biggest supporters and the first line of defense if something goes wrong,” said Maj. Gen. Weishaar. “If you see your spouse struggling or something doesn’t feel or look right with your Soldier, please reach out and let us know. We have resources in place to help.”
The event also included presentations from Brig. Gen. Anthony Mohatt, assistant adjutant general-Army; Command Sgt. Maj. Steve Harmon, state command sergeant major; Command Sgt. Maj. Linus Thuston, 635th Regional Support Group command sergeant major; Lt. Col. Justin Rutledge, 891st Engineer Battalion commander; and Mary Nesbitt, director of Support Services, State Family Program.
“Every year we look forward to honoring our volunteers and spouses at our annual spring event,” said Terri Twombly, lead Military and Family Readiness specialist. “This year was extra special with getting to recognize Marcie Boring for receiving a national award.”
Marcie Boring, wife of Staff Sgt. Edward Boring II, supply noncommissioned officer for the Forward Support Company, 891st Engineer Company, was nominated by Lt. Col. Justin Nusz, former commander for the 891st Engineer Battalion, for the Gold Award. The Gold Award is presented to an adult volunteer who has served five or more years as a statutory volunteer supporting Family Readiness, providing consistent and dedicated support to volunteering with National Guard Family Readiness within their community. Boring has been a volunteer with the 891st Engineer Battalion Family Readiness program for more than six years.
“This truly is a team effort,” said Marcie, “and I could not have done any of it without the 891st ladies.”
The National Guard Service Member and Family Readiness Division recognizes the importance of volunteers as valuable contributors to the Family Readiness mission. Volunteers serve by giving freely of their time and talents, providing services and resources, or by sharing their skills to benefit service members and their families.
The National Guard Volunteer Awards Program was established in 2008 to thank and honor volunteers who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. It is designed to promote superior performance among all volunteers throughout the National Guard and recognize outstanding contributions made by statutory volunteers and organizations.
The Kansas Army National Guard submits yearly nominations and have had two Regional Volunteer of the Year recipients, but never had a winner of the Gold Award.