Dr. Dana Bedden, Richmond County School superintendent, congratulates one of the Fort Gordon Soldiers who were honored at a board of education meeting in Augusta Dec. 11. Photo by Rick Pittman The Richmond County Board of Education recognized Soldier volunteers at the Dec. 11 board meeting.

About 40 Soldiers, students and cadre at the Regimental Noncommissioned Officer Academy, set up and networked computers at the Freedom Park Elementary School on Fort Gordon and at A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet High School on a Saturday in November as part of a community service project. At the board meeting each Soldier's name was announced and listed on the board agenda. Each Soldier was presented with a certificate of appreciation for their contribution to the Richmond County Schools.

Dr. Dana Bedden, Richmond County School superintendent, talked with the Soldiers, briefly mentioned his own service as both an enlisted service member and as an officer; and expressed his appreciation for their time and talent and above all their selfless service in protecting the liberties that everyone enjoys in America every day.

The Soldiers listed on page 15 were involved during the community service at A.R. Johnson and at Freedom Park.

These are the Fort Gordon Soldiers recognized at the Richmond County Board of Education meeting Dec. 11 for assistance provided in setting up computer systems at county schools: Staff Sgt. Lyneair Aikens Staff Sgt. Antwhuen Alston Staff Sgt. Teresa Byrd Staff Sgt. Leticia Carbajal Staff Sgt. Antoine Derrick Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Eberwein Staff Sgt. Linton Francois Sgt. Antonio Gonzalez Sgt. 1st Class Robert Hall Staff Sgt. Alunda Hopkins Staff Sgt. Steve Hoxie Staff Sgt. Gregory Koenig Staff Sgt. Christopher Kratzner Staff Sgt. Christopher Marshall Staff Sgt. Tamica McDowell Staff Sgt. Casey Moore Staff Sgt. Keith Myers Staff Sgt. Jason Reformat Small Group Leader: Staff Sgt. Nicholas Toler Senior Group Leader: Sgt. 1st Class Nelson Mendoza Branch Chief: 1st Sgt. William Evans Commandant: Command Sgt. Maj. Vernon Praymous

The students who participated in the Freedom Park School project graduated from their course and were unable to attend but were recognized as well. Sgt. 1st Class Brian Gaddy was their Small Group Leader.