Very Important Patriot Published Oct. 16, 2008 By Susan Griggs Keesler News staff KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS -- Staff Sgt. Veronica Bird, a weather instructor in the 335th Training Squadron, is one of five recipients of the National Military Family Association's Very Important Patriot Award for outstanding volunteerism. The VIP Award recognizes exceptional military volunteers worldwide whose outstanding service contributes to improving the quality of life on their base and in neighboring communities. The NMFA notes that due to the challenges of the current pace of military operations, volunteers are playing an increasing role in providing support and stability in their communities. Sergeant Bird receives a $1,000 cash prize and a trip for two to Washington to be honored at an awards dinner with senior military leaders and program sponsors. In nominating Sergeant Bird, Capt. Barry Hunte called her a "community volunteer juggernaut (who) continuously strives to leave everything she touches better. Her sustained excellence has drastically improved the quality of life of individuals at every level and exemplifies what being a patriot is all about." Sergeant Bird, who's been at Keesler for 2½ of her eight years in the Air Force, contributed more than 450 volunteer hours to support the base and surrounding communities in the past year. She spent two months helping more than 300 Keesler team members as a volunteer income tax assistance representative. After attending a three-day tax preparation seminar, she prepared more than 550 error-free federal and state tax returns resulting in more than $10,000 in refunds. Sergeant Bird led 35 "Make a Difference Day" volunteers in seven area local landscaping improvement projects. She spearheaded a team of 25 volunteers in more than 100 hours of service to the Humane Society of South Mississippi. She was a team member for the "Toys for Tots" drive in her flight that collected 127 gifts for needy children. She also led 291 Airmen and 61 NCOs in a clothing drive for orphans in Manas, Kyrgyzstan. As a member of the first term airman center's noncommissioned officer panel, Sergeant Bird mentored 17 junior Airmen and presented Air Education and Training Command's wingman briefings to 12 joint-service students about potential safety hazards during the holidays. She taught a Red Cross babysitting class and judged 200 projects at a science fair at a Biloxi elementary school. In her squadron, Sergeant Bird helped with the unit's Halloween party and a deployed family night at the movies, as well as organized a Thanksgiving potluck meal. She planned three fundraisers which netted more than $1,200 for the squadron holiday party. She coordinated a Valentine's Day dessert project that provided more than 800 sweets to 300 joint-service students. As part of the squadron booster club, she put together a squadron potluck Easter egg hunt and arranged a bowling fundraiser for 100 participants. As an active Rising VI member, she arranged a talent show to support Red Cross humanitarian efforts and was in charge of a scholarship fundraiser. She led the group to "adopt" two underprivileged children in the community and inspired 71 members of her flight to adopt 10 other children. She also organized a project which replaced the 51 flags in the Boulevard of Flags at the main entrance to the base.