Volunteers, scholars recognized Published June 1, 2006 By Capt. Michael Meridith 319th Air Refueling Wing public affairs GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. -- Members of the base community, both military spouses and children of Airmen, received more than $10,000 in scholarships during the Officers’ Spouses Club seventh annual awards banquet here May 23. Scholarships were awarded on the basis of both academic merit and community involvement. “We work hard to raise money through many community projects and fundraisers,” said Tera Hart, president of the OSC. “We contribute funds to many local and national charities; however our largest financial contribution is to our academic scholarships.” Many recipients expressed gratitude for the faith shown in them by the OSC - and the Enlisted Spouses Club, the African-American Cultural Association and the First Sergeant’s Group (who collectively donated nearly $2,000 of the total scholarship amount) - as well as a recognition of the responsibility the scholarships invested in them. “You live in a country that values education - not every country can say that. You have people that are willing to put their hard-earned money to help you achieve their dreams. Don’t let them down,” said Lt. Col. Mike England, 319th Maintenance Group commander, addressing the recipients. In addition to the scholarships, the event was also notable for the annual presentation of the Sandy Turner Angel Awards. Named after a former Mission Support Group commander’s wife, the awards recognize outstanding volunteers. Military spouses Natalie Kuehn, Cynthia Vinson and Dana Rutledge were named 2006 recipients for their volunteer efforts in the base and community. “We are recognizing individuals who have given more than most and have given countless hours to causes they each find pride in. They have given more than volunteer hours; they have given smiles, lessons, laughs and a sympathetic ear,” said Angie Hawkins, the OSC’s second vice president. Recognizing both the contributions of the Angel Award recipients and the dedication of the scholarship winners, Colonel England summed up the event, “On a day-to-day basis you turn on the news and you hear about so many things that are negative. To have something like this, that is uplifting and positive, just recharges all of our batteries.”