Dyess Airmen recognized at annual banquet

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shannon Hall
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Dyess Airmen were recognized for their volunteerism July 26, during the 14th Annual We Care Team Awards Banquet at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas.

This year the WCT Outstanding Volunteer Award was awarded to Senior Airman Dale Briggs, Airman 1st Class Zach Warlick and Airman 1st Class Miles Hambly, who are assigned to the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron. Victor Guinn, a first lieutenant assigned to the 7th CES, received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Guinn was the first officer in WCT history to receive the award. The Volunteer Squadron of the Year Award went to 7 CES.

"I am honored to be in the top five [volunteers], which is something I wasn't expecting in my first year here," Warlick said. "The Dyess We Care Team is like nothing I've ever been a part of, and giving back to a community like Abilene that supports the military so much is the least I can do."

The banquet is held to honor those who spend their free time with the Dyess WCT helping rebuild the lives of less fortunate Abilene community members.

"The volunteers earn their rankings amongst hundreds of others," said Gordon Storey, Dyess WCT founder and director. "Through hard work and dedication they are awarded points for hours, projects, fundraisers and consistency."

The top volunteers represented 525 of the WCT's estimated 4,000 volunteer hours and assisted in raising a significant amount of money for Abilene organizations and the community.

"It's a very satisfying feeling to know that I am making lives of the people here a little easier and happier," Briggs said. "I am not only spreading help through our local community, but I am also boosting their morale. I hope other Airmen see that and go out and do the same within Abilene."

Retired Col. Todd McCready, former 7th Maintenance Group commander, who was active in the WCT while stationed at Dyess AFB, returned to Abilene to help present the Volunteer Squadron of the Year Award.

"The Dyess WCT encourages our young Airmen to participate in wholesome activities that allow them to grow and help the local community," McCready said. "I think each individual should be very proud of what they contributed to the Abilene community."

The Dyess We Care Team is a non-Department of Defense affiliated tax exempt organization that provides minor home repairs to the elderly, disabled and others in need.
They also assist with other community oriented non-profit groups like the Boys and Girls Club, New Beginnings, Taylor Jones Humane Society and more.

Airmen assist the Dyess WCT in helping accomplish home renovations and upgrades and projects that better the local community. They take pride in their volunteer work, just like they do in their military service.

"Winning an award is great, but knowing that the community is a better place because of something I did is more important," Briggs said. "It's the same with my daily job. Knowing that I've accomplished something to help the Dyess mission and bigger Air Force is more important than being recognized every time I finish a project."

Anyone interested in learning more about the Dyess WCT or volunteering can contact the organization via e-mail at thedyesswecareteam@yahoo.com or visit their Facebook page.