Big Give award winners announced at Holloman

  • Published
  • By Airman Randahl J. Jenson
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Holloman celebrated the end of this year's Big Give at its after party in Club Holloman Aug 21.  

The 540 volunteers who made up the 40 teams who participated in this year's Big Give donated more than 7,292 hours--saving the community $458,431.98.

The after party showcased the work of volunteer teams with table displays and slideshow presentations. This allowed attendees to vote for their favorite teams to determine the winners of the People's Choice Award.

"Every single one of these teams was difficult to judge," said Col. Robert E. Kiebler, the 49th Wing commander. "Every single one gave back a huge amount. It was inspirational to see these people give back in their own free time."

The teams were judged over the course of two days so base leadership, community leaders and sponsors of the Big Give could decide this year's winning teams.

The Large Team Awards were:

First Place--Ghost Warriors winning $5,000

Second Place--Team Bear winning $2,000

Third Place--Tiger Glue winning $1,000

The Small Team Awards were:

First Place--49th CONS winning $1,500

Second Place--Supports Our Middle Name winning $500

The People's Choice Awards were:

Large Team--Ghost Warriors winning $1,000

Small Team--Mighty Fairy Dusters winning $500

These volunteers donated their time and energy to help renovate, clean, paint and landscape various locations. From clearing hiking trails to re-painting fire hydrants, volunteers dedicated their efforts to making their community a better place to live.

Since Bobby Martinez and his wife, Tina, started the Big Give in 2008, the program has had 129 teams donate 132,264 volunteer hours. This means Holloman Airmen have saved the local community over $1,677,850.

"We thought it was a really good way to connect Holloman and the Alamogordo Community," said Bobby Martinez. "The first year we started with $5,000 for prizes, and it went so well, we doubled it the next year. And it's been $10,000 ever since."

Seven sponsors donated a total of $18,250 in prizes, T-shirts, gift cards and sponsorship for the whole event including the after party--All as a means to show their gratitude for the Holloman volunteers. 

Nadia Sikes, Alamogordo city commissioner for District 2, expressed her gratitude for the Big Give volunteers at the after party. 

"You've made an impact in this community," said Sikes. "Others are inspired to give back because of Holloman volunteers. We are all sincerely grateful."