RED HORSE takes volunteering to a new level Published Dec. 13, 2011 By Senior Airman Stephanie Rubi Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Members of the 820th RED HORSE Squadron here at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., are spending their free time volunteering with the local community. And while many units at Nellis come together to partake in a variety of volunteer opportunities, RED HORSE is upping the ante for its members. To recognize its Airmen who go above and beyond in their volunteering efforts, RED HORSE has begun presenting its own Warrior Ambassador of the Month award. At the end of each month, this award is presented to the RED HORSE member with the greatest number of volunteer hours served that month. According to RED HORSE leadership, this award promotes volunteerism and allows RED HORSE Airmen to set themselves apart and be recognized by their peers. "Folks can see we aren't just individuals in uniforms," said Master Sgt. Hans Flammang, 820th RED HORSE Squadron NCO in charge of electrical systems. "We're out there in the community; we care about the Las Vegas area." The motivation to help the community and to compete for the Warrior Ambassador of the Month award has resulted in RED HORSE Airmen volunteering hundreds of hours over the past few months. Between Oct. 1, 2011, and mid-December 2011, the Airmen have volunteered more than 1,690 hours. Considering that a significant number of the RED HORSE Squadron members are deployed, achieving this high number has not been easy, but it has been rewarding. "Volunteering makes the Airmen feel good about themselves" said Chief Master Sgt. Scottie Spradlin, 820th RED HORSE Squadron superintendent. With so many opportunities to volunteer in the local community, RED HORSE has helped with a variety of events. Some of these included: the Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, Opportunity Village Black Tie Event, Opportunity Village Magical Forest, Fisher House and The Great Santa Run. Airmen also helped create pre-packaged thanksgiving dinners for Operation Warm Heart and handed out Christmas trees as part of Trees for Troops. "We have a trend of being reliable and professional," said Flammang. "We've been specifically asked to return to volunteer because when we do something, we do it right." For more information about upcoming volunteer opportunities taking place on and around Nellis or to follow the RED HORSE Squadron's lead and take part in one of these opportunities, contact the Volunteer Resource Program Manager in the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 702-652-3327.
