Two dedicated volunteers of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service recently received the top honor for American volunteers – the lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Russell Dorrough, of Texas, and Jerry Hattan, of Wyoming, have volunteered more than 4,000 hours with NRCS. Between 4,500 and 6,000 Americans receive this award each year.
The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, give back and inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The lifetime award presented to Russell and Jerry is the program’s highest honor.
Both Russell and Jerry are part of NRCS’ Earth Team volunteer program, which helps the agency meet conservation needs in communities. Volunteers enable NRCS to stretch available resources and help put additional conservation practices on the ground. Their efforts help improve land and wildlife habitat and contribute to cleaner water and air for everyone.
“Without the volunteer program, NRCS would not be able to accomplish what is has,” NRCS Associate Chief Leonard Jordan said at an event honoring them Tuesday. “We value the hard of work of people like you and applaud you in your efforts.”
Last year, more than 22,000 volunteers donated more than 330,000 hours. And so far in 2014, more than 19,000 volunteers have donated 225,000 hours.
Russell joined Earth Team in 2003, after retiring as a soil conservationist with NRCS. He works with NRCS staff at the USDA service center in Clarksville, Texas, visiting the office daily to offer his expertise, assist landowners reviewing their soil maps and help with soils information. So far, he’s volunteered 4,300 hours of service.
“He’s provided us a lot of support and helps us with any task that needs to get done,” said Jessie Hickman, NRCS district conservationist in Clarksville.
Amy Hammett, with the Red River County Soil and Water Conservation District, shared an office with Russell for 26 years. When he retired, she knew it wouldn’t be long before he returned to work as a volunteer.
“He didn’t even clean off his desk,” Hammett said. “He’s a fixture of the office.”
Jerry joined the Earth Team in 2009, after a 41-year career with NRCS that included work as an engineering technician and a water management specialist. Jerry still lends his expertise to any irrigation-related projects. So far, he’s volunteered more than 8,000 hours of service.
“His knowledge is top notch,” said Astrid Martinez, NRCS state conservationist in Wyoming. “The service he provides not only to the agency but to the producers is very important.”
Both Jerry and Russell were honored Tuesday for their services at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. Both had a chance to meet with Jordan, NRCS Chief Jason Weller and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who both thanked them for their contributions to USDA.
To learn more about volunteering with NRCS, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/EarthTeam.