Business & Economy

UWF veteran student receives President’s Volunteer Service Award

UWF student Timothy Jones was recently selected to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Jones was nominated by the Student Veterans of America’s national office in recognition of his dedication to assisting fellow veterans at UWF. Since 2012, he has earned 266 hours of community service.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition,” said Jones, a junior communications art major. “Giving back is important because it allows the opportunity through service to help those in need and to say thank you. I believe that if we seek change, it first starts at home and serving others allows me the chance to do that. This award has had a tremendous impact on my life. My eyes are open to the challenges we face daily as a community and it’s those challenges that continues to fuel my passion in service.”

At UWF, Jones is highly involved in the local chapter of Student Veterans of America, coordinating events and acting as a community advocate to find assistance for the military veteran community. After dealing with personal struggles for most of the last decade, Jones was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of pursuing higher education with the assistance of Veteran Affairs and Volunteers of America.

“My goal now is to inspire greatness and hope in every person I meet, to let them know they are not their mistakes,” he said.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation established the President’s Volunteer Service Award as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The program continues today as an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

For additional information about the President’s Volunteer Service Award, visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.