Service members, civilians and Spanish local nationals gathered at the Naval Station Rota base chapel, April 27, to recognize volunteers and give a special honor to four individuals and two groups who were named as the 2016 Rota Volunteers of the Year (VoY).

This is the third year the Volunteer Recognition Program for Commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain, has given out the award.

The VoY award acknowledges achievement, citizenship and community involvement. One winner was selected in six different categories: military, civilian employee, Spanish local national, dependent, small group (2 to 7 members) and large group (7 or more members).

"We're celebrating the men and women who give their time, talents and skills freely for a good cause in order to improve the quality of life on base and throughout the local communities," said Capt. Greg Pekari, commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain. "Our volunteers represent the best examples of selfless service, patience, compassion and pride that our community has to offer. We depend on you and I'm glad we can come together and celebrate the precious time you devote to the community and for being an inspiration to us all."

A total of 18 packages were submitted and a selection board voted for the winners in each category.

Electronics Technician 1st Class Bryan Madsen, assistant Volunteer Recognition Program manager, said all of the different individuals and groups that were nominated continuously demonstrated dedication and self-sacrifice.

"Your leaders have admiration and appreciate your hard work," said Madsen. "You are all winners and should be proud."

The winners and their respective category were: Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Laquisha Cooks, Military VoY, (more than 500 volunteer hours); Ricca Wocking, Civilian VoY, (more than 500 volunteer hours); Maria Ferreira-Ramos, Spanish Location National VoY (more than 850 volunteer hours); Chantelle Dousay, Dependent VoY, (more than 1,800 volunteer hours); Retired Activities Office, Small Group VoY (more than 1,780 volunteer hours) and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Large Group VoY (more than 15,000 volunteer hours).

"My heart is grateful and it really means a lot," said Wocking. "This is a great community that we have here and giving back to the community is my way of making a difference."

"I don't feel like we won anything; we support, we're supporters," said Tom Brennan, director of the Retired Activities Office. "We help our retired community throughout Spain and they are the focus of this recognition."

In order for individuals or groups to be nominated, they must have 150 or more documented community service hours for the corresponding calendar year. This award is for service of significant magnitude or duration in one or more community organizations, which enhances the quality of life in the community.

Along with the category winners, there were others who received an honorable mention for the dedicated time and effort they devoted to their community. Those volunteers were: Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 2nd Class Isaac Baiden, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Steven Piedrahita, Electronics Technician 3rd Class Tellisa Boles, Electronics Technician 3rd Class Katelyn Aquino, Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Gatlke, Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Darius Grays, Charles Hampton, Estevan Gallardo, Barbara Nelson, Nicole Retana, Sarah Wester and the Rota Ombudsmen Assembly.

"Your contributions, your sacrifices and your collective enthusiasm make significant changes here on base," said Pekari. "We hope that by recognizing your achievements, sacrifices and good work will inspire new ranks of Rota volunteers to further improve the quality of life for everyone."

Naval Station Rota enables and supports operations of U.S. and allied forces and provides quality services in support of the Fleet, Fighter, and Family for Commander, Navy Installations Command in Navy Region, Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia.

For more news from Naval Station Rota, Spain, visit http://www.navy.mil/.