Civilian wins local service award

Published Jan. 18, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Heather Heiney
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Usa Jones, the 81st Medical Group's volunteer services coordinator, was awarded the John Caranna Community Service Award by the Harrison County Triad in Gulfport Jan. 10.

The triad consists of the Harrison County Sheriff's Department, county police departments and area seniors working together to address criminal issues that affect older citizens.

Jones was nominated for the award by Linda Brundidge, 81st Medical Support Squadron medical logistics administrative assistant.

"For the past 30 years Mrs. Jones has been a powerhouse at Keesler Hospital and in the community," Brundidge said. "It was an easy task to nominate her, because you can see her accomplishments around the hospital every day. Her devotion has been tireless and phenomenal. Mrs. Jones fully understands the quality of compassion and what it means to serve others."

Jones coordinates the work of the hospital's 62 volunteers and works three to four times a week herself. She works the main information desk and assists in the women's health clinic. She trained 15 volunteers on dispensing and filing procedures for the pharmacy.

She coordinates two fundraisers annually to support the hospital's annual volunteer services awards luncheon, and Christmas party and purchase plaques, certificates and gifts for the volunteers.

During the holiday season, Jones invites active-duty military and retired personnel who are unable to be with their families into her home to share a holiday meal. She also volunteers with the Kiwanis Club of Gulfport, the Krewe of Gemini of Gulfport, the Mississippi City United Methodist Church and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.