City of Biloxi recognizes Keesler volunteers

Published May 1, 2013
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Two Keesler members and one base group claimed special honors at the City of Biloxi's annual volunteer recognition ceremony April 23 at the Biloxi Civic Center.

Mayor A.J. Holloway and Brig. Gen. Brad Spacy, 81st Training Wing commander, presented awards to individuals and groups in 17 categories, including three Keesler winners - Tech. Sgt. Brian Margavich, military volunteer of the year; Jennifer Ferguson, health services volunteer of the year; and the Fishbowl Student Ministry Center white rope program, military volunteer group of the year.

Margavich, 333rd Training Squadron, is married to Staff Sgt. Amanda Margavich, 81st Force Support Squadron. He is Biloxi's volunteer lighthouse keeper, webmaster and youth and music ministry volunteer at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Woolmarket. A 14-year Air Force member serving his second tour of duty at Keesler, he's been involved with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, the American Heart Association's Heart Walk, Special Olympics and the Knights of Columbus.

At Keesler, Margavich has provided volunteer audiovisual support for a magic show for deployed families, Child Pride Day, Air Force Ball, Retiree Appreciation Day, an event center Super Bowl party, Heart Link orientation program for military spouses, Keesler Sports Day, Dragon Challenge fundraiser for Fisher House, base talent show, squadron changes of command, farewell programs, and award ceremonies and promotion events.

Ferguson, a former technical training student at Keesler in 1999, is married to Master Sgt. Stephen Ferguson, 333rd TRS. Ferguson's support of cancer patients is an ongoing mission to honor her mother, who passed away from cancer in 2007.

She began working with the American Cancer Society in 2008 while living in California. She's continued to serve as a driver for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy who are too ill to drive themselves or low on funds because of work limitations. Even when funds are tight for these transportation needs, the family makes this commitment a priority. Ferguson inspired her 9-year old daughter, Taylor, to learn how to knit so she can make beanie caps for parents undergoing treatment.

The Fishbowl's white ropes leadership program for technical training students has been active since 1977. These student leaders, under the auspices of the base chapel, provided more than 230 student volunteers to work with students at Jeff Davis Elementary School. They worked with the Humane Society of South Mississippi and volunteered with the Hope Community Development Agency to rebuild a local home.

The Fishbowl volunteers also prepared and served meals at Loaves and Fishes Community Kitchen, helped at the base's Child Pride Day, provided holiday gift-wrapping service to the Keesler community and worked with city officials for cemetery, parking lot and beach cleanups and the annual Blessing of the Fleet.