Vance, Main Street receive state volunteer award

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Agneta Murnan
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
ENID, OKLA. --  The "Main Street Enid" partnership with more than 20 Vance Air Force Base volunteers led by Capt. Matt Gjertsen, an instructor pilot for the 32nd Flying Training Squadron, was named the 2009 Oklahoma Main Street Best Volunteer Development Program in August.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce's Main Street Oklahoma program was created in 1985 to combine historic preservation and downtown revitalization efforts with economic stimulation. Main Street Enid was established in 1994 to address such issues such as façade improvements, special events, fundraising, networking and resource sharing.

"We always look for volunteers in specific areas of service. We have, for many years, been cultivating a relationship with Vance Air Force Base, our local technical school, and volunteers at large in the community," said Lindy Chambers, Main Street Enid's program manager. "Because of the groundwork laid in these areas, we were fortunate to catch the attention of a new Vance instructor pilot, who expressed a desire to get involved in his community.

"They have worked very hard on many weekends on our corner planters, 64 of them, weeding, bagging trash, fertilizing, mulching and planting," said Ms. Chambers. "They were crucial to our Enid Lights Up the Plains preparations, assembling Christmas forms, lighting decorations, placing lit forms around the square, climbing on top of the courthouse gazebo to hang lighted forms that they had worked on. They also removed the decorations when the event was over. Their efforts truly have made a difference in our Main Street program, and we look forward to a long relationship."

The award was presented to Captain Gjertsen during a downtown ceremony held at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church Aug. 27.

"Considering the amount of support the Enid community gives Vance, it is always important for Vance to try to give back," said Captain Gjertsen said.

"Because of their youth, strength, dedication and work ethic, this group has given our older volunteer base a shot in the arm, and an encouragement that there really are people out there who not only want to help, but can go above and beyond in helping," said Ms. Chambers.

Team Vance members interested in volunteering should e-mail Captain Gjertsen at matthew.gjertsen@vance.af.mil or call Ms. Chambers at 234-1052.