Keesler members honored at Biloxi volunteer ceremony

Published April 30, 2014
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The robust partnership between Keesler and the City of Biloxi was evident at the city's Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony, April 22 at the Biloxi Civic Center.

Volunteers affiliated with Keesler claimed two of the individual awards and one of the group awards at the 31st annual event. Brig. Gen. Patrick Higby, 81st Training Wing commander, joined Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway in presenting the 14 awards and recognizing 37 nominees and nine organizations with certificates of appreciation.

Senior Airman Sharla Starks, 81st Force Support Squadron, was honored as individual military volunteer of the year. She is a court appointed special advocate to aid children in domestic abuse cases and has volunteered with Airman Against Drunk Driving, Gulf Coast Humane Society, Feds Feed Families, Project Cheer, Biloxi Junior ROTC, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Armed Forces Retirement Home.

Lauren Koops was named the sports volunteer of the year. She serves as a volunteer track coach at Biloxi High School while her husband, 2nd Lt. Sawyer Koops, attends training in the 333rd Training Squadron. His time at Keesler was extended when he was hospitalized after being struck by a car while running along Pass Road in Biloxi.

The Fishbowl Student Ministry Center's white rope chapel volunteers earned the military group award for the second consecutive year. The white ropes led 67 volunteer projects in the local community, including mentoring at Jeff Davis Elementary School and working with the Gulf Coast Humane Society, Special Olympics, Loaves and Fishes meal program, low-income home reconstruction and beach and cemetery cleanups.

The Keesler Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit was also nominated for the military group award.

Other Keesler volunteers recognized were Jemina Ballard, 81st FSS; Master Sgt. Publio and Terry Casillas, 335th TRS; Airman 1st Class Mikayla Dunne, 81st Dental Squadron; Petty Officer 1st Class Jerrod Jenkins, CNATTU; and Senior Airman Chadwick Stradling, 81st Operations Support Flight.