Two Keesler volunteer groups win Biloxi recognition awards

A.J. Holloway, Cmdr. Angie Walker, Lt. Cmdr. Sad Scarino, Fire Controlman Master Chief Brian Devlin and Brig. Gen. Andrew Mueller are shown at Biloxi's 28th annual Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony at the Biloxi Community Center. Keesler's Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit was named the city's Military Volunteer of the Year. Mr. Holloway is mayor of Biloxi, Cmdr. Walker is CNATTU's commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. Carino is CNATTU's executive officer, Chief Devlin is CNATTU's command chief and General Mueller is the 81st Training Wing ommander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Two Keesler volunteer groups win Biloxi recognition awards

From left, Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway, Chaplain (Capt.) Garrell Calton, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Henry Close III and Brig. Gen. Andrew Mueller, 81st Training Wing commander, are shown at Biloxi's 28th annual Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony at the Biloxi Community Center. The two Keesler chaplains accepted the award for Top Adult Volunteer Group on behalf of the Fishbowl Student Ministry Center white rope program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Two Keesler volunteer groups win Biloxi recognition awards

Published May 12, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Heather Heiney
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Two Keesler groups were recognized by the City of Biloxi for their volunteerism during the city's annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, May 3.

The Fishbowl Student Ministry Center white rope program won the adult volunteer group award and Keesler's Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit won the military volunteer
group award.

The white rope program, led by the chapel's student leaders, is primarily involved with Jeff Davis Elementary School. Every other Friday, 40-50 student volunteers pair up with Jeff Davis teachers to spend almost four hours helping out wherever they can. One task is giving students one-on-one attention in an effort to help them attain a passion for learning.

Aside from volunteering at Jeff Davis, the White Rope program has been involved in coastal beach cleanups, the Memorial Day service at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, playground construction for a local preschool and assisting at the Humane Society of South Mississippi.

CNATTU has been involved in several volunteer activities throughout the year, earning the Navy's Personal Excellence ProgramAward for Outstanding Community Service. Members have helped local youth in several different ways. They spent 653 hours serving 215 students ages 5-13 at Nichols Elementary School. They helped with reading and science fairs in the Biloxi school district and served more than 700 students over 160 hours. They also contributed 98 hours to Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and the Boys and Girls Club.

In addition to youth services, CNATTU has volunteered its time for the Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence, Adopt a Highway, beach cleanups and the 2011 Angels Over the Bay open house and air show.