The Secretary’s Award for Volunteer Service recognizes significant contributions by DHS employees who serve as volunteers with non-profit or community service programs or activities. The employee’s contributions should be direct, sustained and have meaningful results for individuals or larger public good.
This year's winners are listed below, along with a description of their contributions and achievements:
For assisting veterans with finding rental housing and fundraising to support families of veterans in Nebraska:
Jamie N. Boyer, Combat Vets Volunteers Team, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Ty A. Boyer, Combat Vets Volunteers Team, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Jesse R. Cunningham, Combat Vets Volunteers Team, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Michael J. Flynn, Combat Vets Volunteers Team, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Martin D. Morse, Combat Vets Volunteers Team, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Henry L. Reifschneider, Combat Vets Volunteers Team, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Natalie L. Sokolik, Combat Vets Volunteers Team, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Jason T. von Hoff, Combat Vets Volunteers Team, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
For volunteering with his church and establishing a non-profit to assist with supplying Uganda with fresh water:
Lt. Garin Kirkpatrick, U.S. Coast Guard
For giving selflessly to improve the lives of others by serving as a volunteer fire fighter in her community:
Bianca M. Phillips, Office of the General Counsel