99 CES becomes PVSA certifying organization Published Jan. 9, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Ian Albee 99th Civil Engineer Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 99th Civil Engineer Squadron based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., became a certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award Jan. 2, 2012. Established in 2003, the PVSA was created by President George W. Bush to give presidential recognition to individuals, families and groups who meet requirements for volunteer service, which are measured by the number of service hours performed over 12 months. As a certifying organization for the PVSA, the 99 CES is now one of thousands of organizations that can honor the volunteers who strengthen America through their selfless actions. To document these certifications, members of the 99 CES have established the Nellis/Creech PVSA Chapter, which is responsible for verifying service hours, nominating potential recipients and delivering the PVSA. "We are extremely proud to recognize our most outstanding volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award," said Tech. Sgt. Ian Albee, 99 CES construction inspector and Nellis/Creech PVSA Chapter founder. "99 CES volunteers are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to bring us closer together as neighbors and a nation. The award is our way of thanking these volunteers and inspiring everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives." The PVSA is issued by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group convened by President George W. Bush to help foster and encourage a culture of volunteer service and civic participation among Americans. Chaired by two-time Super Bowl champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the council is composed of leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofit and volunteer service organizations and community volunteering. "Even if you've never volunteered before, the President's Volunteer Service Award is within your reach," said Master Sgt. David DeLoney, 99 CES Infrastructure supervisor and Nellis/Creech PVSA Chapter president. "There are so many ways to contribute, and every volunteer hour makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others." "We encourage everyone to get involved and to bring along your family, friends and neighbors," said 2nd Lt. Peter Lee, 99 CES section commander and Nellis/Creech PVSA Chapter vice president. "Together, we can strengthen America - one hour at a time." For more information about volunteering with the Nellis/Creech PVSA Chapter or learning about the recognition process for Nellis and Creech volunteer efforts, contact Tech. Sgt. Ian Albee at Ian.Albee@nellis.af.mil or 702-652-8348. For more information on the PVSA or to find out how to identify volunteer opportunities in the local area, visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov or call 1-866-545-5307.
