Mass. Air Guard Volunteer of the Year

FRAMINGHAM, Massachusetts -- Saturday, April 25th, a Volunteer Training and Recognition event was held at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Conference Center. Five members of the 104th Family Readiness Group attended the all day event. Attendees were Patricia Connors, Chairperson, Cindy Patnode, Treasurer, Lyn Richards, Secretary, Antonieta Ferriera and Cindy Connors, volunteers. Brig Gen Sellars and Col Brooks attended the luncheon and awards ceremony.

Approximately 100 volunteers from throughout the State received training in various subjects affecting military members and their families. Some of these sensitive subjects were Suicide Awareness, Yellow Ribbon Program and the VET Center. Various volunteer groups set up displays showcasing the activities offered by the different groups.

The Recognition portion of the event highlighted a State Volunteer of the Year, one from Air and one from Army. Ms. Cynthia Connors from the 104 Family Readiness Group, was chosen for the Mass. Air National Guard Volunteer of the Year Award which was presented by Brig. Gen. Sellars and Col. Robert Brooks. Ms. Connors has been a volunteer for the 104th Readiness Group for many years, and has generously given of her time and energy to the members of the 104th Fighter Wing. She has worked many volunteer events held at the Base, and also given her time to work the 2005 National Volunteer Conference that was held in Boston. Cindy also volunteered to work the many Air Shows that have been held at Barnes. She has also served as the Secretary for the Executive Board of the Group.