HORSHAM AIR GUARD STATION, Pa. – It arrived without any pomp and circumstance. By the ordinary packaging, there was no reason to believe this piece of mail contained anything different than any other work-related correspondence.
“I thought it was just another piece of mail for the office until I opened it and realized what it was,” said Anna Richar, Horsham Air Guard Station’s Airman & Family Readiness Center program manager.
Richar received a letter from President Barack Obama acknowledging her volunteerism and commitment to the military population.
“I was honored that anyone thought of me like that, for my passion to be recognized was overwhelming to me.”
Along with the letter came The President’s Volunteer Service Award.
“Your volunteer service demonstrate(s) the kind of commitment to your community that moves America a step closer to its great promise, “ Obama said in his letter to Richar. “Thank you for your devotion to service and for doing all you can to shape a better tomorrow for our great Nation.”
According to the PVSA web site, this program inspires citizens to live a life of service through presidential appreciation and national gratitude. Being awarded a PVSA is noted as being a tremendous honor, setting recipients apart from their peers. Receiving one is stated as delivering a powerful message that encourages others to take action.
And the noteworthy award gained the attention of Pennsylvania Air National senior leadership.
“In my service as commander of all levels,” said Pennsylvania National Guard Deputy Adjutant General – Air, Brig. Gen. Tony Carrelli in a letter to Richar. “…this is the first time I have had the pleasure of seeing someone from Team Pennsylvania receive this prestigious award.”
Carrelli continued by stating that Richar’s dedication and commitment to the A&FRC program had been evident from the first week she arrived at Horsham AGS in 2010.
But despite what the president of the U.S. has to say, Richar isn’t convinced.
“I never think that I do enough,” Richar said.