Saluting Space Park's Everyday Heroes
“You are leaving legacies of changing lives for the better,” affirmed Dave DiCarlo, sector vice president and deputy for Operations for Northrop Grumman Space Technology, applauding the dedication of employees who devoted their time and energy to volunteer activities throughout 2007.
Celebrating the contributions of volunteers at Northrop Grumman’s Space Technology sector in Redondo Beach, Calif., during National Volunteer Week, DiCarlo praised those who unselfishly give of themselves without the public tribute that attends acts of heroism we witness on a national scale. “Because the time, passion and knowledge you give to others, day after day, may not be honored with songs or movies, it’s especially important that we celebrate you today.”
| David K. Lee (l), Phyllis Glock and Ramon Coronel (r) received plaques honoring their volunteer contributions from Dave DiCarlo. |
As part of the annual volunteer recognition festivities on May 1, top volunteering honors were presented to Phyllis Glock, recognized as Volunteer of the Year; Ramon Coronel as Education Advocate; and David K. Lee as Community Advocate.
An ovation also went to 62 employees who secured $200 community service grants for their favorite charities by giving at least 40 hours of service to nonprofit activities. These honorees were among more than 1,000 employees earning certificates of appreciation for donating innumerable hours to missions as varied as helping veterans, raising funds for cancer research and grooming future generations of scientists, engineers and technologists.
One volunteer who frequently can be found developing young talent at local schools or other venues is Latesha Young, an Equipment Management Center (EMC) Test Equipment Asset Management and Metrology System subproject manager. With volunteering woven into the fabric of her life since she was a Girl Scout, Latesha enjoys bringing hands-on engineering projects to students — especially those who may be underserved in their math and science curricula — and watching them discover real world applications of their studies.
For an annual testament to Space Technology’s generosity, look no further than the holiday giving program, which has brightened the lives of thousands of families with Thanksgiving meals, toys for children and wishes granted to adopted families.
The goodwill of employees who have made those results possible is particularly satisfying to Employee Services Manager Katherine Reed, who spearheads holiday-giving endeavors. Perhaps typical of the experiences of many who contribute to the program, Reed began supporting events at Space Park when someone simply asked for her help. That was about 20 years ago, and her portfolio of volunteer responsibilities has been expanding ever since. “The effort is all worthwhile when I see the smiles on the faces of people we help,” she maintains.
Katherine also says that company events have helped her to foster the spirit of giving in her children. She recalls the first time her son, then 13 years old, accompanied her to a food drive. Although initially disconcerted by the tears of gratitude shed by a recipient, he came to appreciate the impact that acts of kindness can have on the lives of others. “Naturally I was pleased when he asked if he could help the following year,” she reflects.