Military Missions was born in 2004 by Beth Pennington and her parents, John and Barbara Denson, were Beth’s biggest supporters. They helped out whenever and wherever needed. Barbara also answered the office phone for many years.
We were heartbroken to hear of Barbara’s passing on October 21, 2022. She had touched so many people throughout the years, we knew we wanted to do something to keep her legacy alive.
It was decided to create the annual Barbara Denson Memorial Volunteer Award. The award would ideally be presented each January since Barbara’s birthday was January 7th. The recipients must have a heart for volunteering, like Barbara, and go above and beyond by showing initiative and enthusiasm for serving others.
We are excited to announce Phillip Seyfrit as the recipient of the 2nd annual Barbara Denson Memorial Volunteer Award!
Military Missions is proud to recognize the remarkable efforts of Phillip Seyfrit, curator of the Battle of Richmond (Ky), who has timelessly supported our mission over the years. Phillip’s dedication to our troops is evident through his numerous projects, including the collection of wrapping paper, LifeSaver candies, and handwritten cards, all to be sent to our men and women serving overseas.
In recognition of his unwavering commitment, Military Missions board members, Mark Roland and Larry Blackburn, presented Phillip the Barbara Denson Memorial Award for 2023. Phillip’s humility shone through despite the recognition. “Although this is an honor, this really goes out to the people who donated the LifeSavers, the handwritten cards, and the wrapping paper,” he said. “The people who see the value of what we do here to help our military of today.”
When Military Missions was in great need of cards and letters to be included in care packages, Phillip organized a community-wide card signing event. Everyone was encouraged to stop by the Battle of Richmond Visitor Center and sign a thank you card for a deployed servicemember. He was able to contribute hundreds of cards with heartfelt notes inside.
During Operation SEND Christmas we wrap a few items in each care package. This assures that the recipient will have something to unwrap for Christmas. Wrapping paper was running short and the need was shared on Facebook. Phillip saw this plea and immediately stepped into action. Within no time he had collected 300 rolls of wrapping paper, ensuring that items were beautifully wrapped for Christmas care packages!
The longest running support from Phillip is his annual candy drive. Several years ago, we were in dire need of candy for our Easter care packages. Phillip saw our post on Facebook and creatively came up with his “Be a LifeSaver” event. He collected thousands of individually wrapped LifeSaver candies. Four years later “Be a LifeSaver” is still going strong. In the Spring of 2024 he hit a new record with 66,000 pieces of candy.
Phillip also shared a touching moment with a recent visitor from Iowa, a Veteran who had served abroad. She became emotional upon seeing volunteers counting the Lifesavers, recalling how she had received them in care packages during her service. “For her, it came full circle,” Phillip reflected. “It reminded her that people at home still care about those serving.”
Thank you, Phillip, for all your hard work and dedication! You embody the volunteer spirit and are very deserving of the award.
Barbara Denson Memorial Volunteer Award
Military Missions was born in 2004 by Beth Pennington and her parents, John and Barbara Denson, were Beth’s biggest supporters. They helped out whenever and wherever needed. Barbara also answered the office phone for many years.
Read Beth’s letter about her mother HERE.
We were heartbroken to hear of Barbara’s passing on October 21, 2022. She had touched so many people throughout the years, we knew we wanted to do something to keep her legacy alive.
It was decided to create the annual Barbara Denson Memorial Volunteer Award. The award would ideally be presented each January since Barbara’s birthday was January 7th. The recipients must have a heart for volunteering, like Barbara, and go above and beyond by showing initiative and enthusiasm for serving others.
We are excited to announce Phillip Seyfrit as the recipient of the 2nd annual Barbara Denson Memorial Volunteer Award!
Military Missions is proud to recognize the remarkable efforts of Phillip Seyfrit, curator of the Battle of Richmond (Ky), who has timelessly supported our mission over the years. Phillip’s dedication to our troops is evident through his numerous projects, including the collection of wrapping paper, LifeSaver candies, and handwritten cards, all to be sent to our men and women serving overseas.
In recognition of his unwavering commitment, Military Missions board members, Mark Roland and Larry Blackburn, presented Phillip the Barbara Denson Memorial Award for 2023. Phillip’s humility shone through despite the recognition. “Although this is an honor, this really goes out to the people who donated the LifeSavers, the handwritten cards, and the wrapping paper,” he said. “The people who see the value of what we do here to help our military of today.”
When Military Missions was in great need of cards and letters to be included in care packages, Phillip organized a community-wide card signing event. Everyone was encouraged to stop by the Battle of Richmond Visitor Center and sign a thank you card for a deployed servicemember. He was able to contribute hundreds of cards with heartfelt notes inside.
During Operation SEND Christmas we wrap a few items in each care package. This assures that the recipient will have something to unwrap for Christmas. Wrapping paper was running short and the need was shared on Facebook. Phillip saw this plea and immediately stepped into action. Within no time he had collected 300 rolls of wrapping paper, ensuring that items were beautifully wrapped for Christmas care packages!
The longest running support from Phillip is his annual candy drive. Several years ago, we were in dire need of candy for our Easter care packages. Phillip saw our post on Facebook and creatively came up with his “Be a LifeSaver” event. He collected thousands of individually wrapped LifeSaver candies. Four years later “Be a LifeSaver” is still going strong. In the Spring of 2024 he hit a new record with 66,000 pieces of candy.
Phillip also shared a touching moment with a recent visitor from Iowa, a Veteran who had served abroad. She became emotional upon seeing volunteers counting the Lifesavers, recalling how she had received them in care packages during her service. “For her, it came full circle,” Phillip reflected. “It reminded her that people at home still care about those serving.”
Thank you, Phillip, for all your hard work and dedication! You embody the volunteer spirit and are very deserving of the award.