When Military Missions was born in 2004 by Beth Pennington, her parents were a big part of the organization. John and Barbara Denson were Beth’s biggest supporters. They helped out at events, served on the board, and whatever else was needed.
Barbara answered the Military Missions phone for many years. If she ever answered one of your calls, you would never forget her. Beth explained it best by saying “she practically became best friends with the caller on the other end”.
We were all heartbroken to hear of Barbara’s passing on October 21, 2022. Because she had touched so many people throughout the years, we knew we wanted to do something to keep her legacy alive.
We decided to create the annual Barbara Denson Memorial Volunteer Award. The award is to be presented annually in 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 immediately knew who the first award recipient should be… Liliana Robinette, a 9-year-old member of the American Heritage Girls group, who have been supporters of Military Missions for many years.
In November 2022, Liliana decided she wanted to raise money to purchase items so we could make enough Christmas care packages to send to all the deployed troops on our list. With a little help from mom, Liliana created a video and put out a plea for help. In a short time, she had raised several hundred dollars and was able to purchase many needed care package items. However, the donations kept coming in and by the end of November she had raised a total of $620 plus additional items. We knew this young girl had a heart and passion to serve others!
In January 2023, we attended the American Heritage Girls meeting to surprise Liliana with her award. Along with her certificate, she was presented with a volunteer appreciation pin, a cup, and a gingerbread cookie apron. We even took enough gingerbread cookies for all the other girls. (You must read Beth’s letter to understand the gingerbread connection.)
We are honored to announce Liliana as the very first recipient of the annual Barbara Denson Memorial Volunteer Award. Hopefully she will be a supporter of Military Missions for many more years!
Barbara Denson Memorial Volunteer Award
When Military Missions was born in 2004 by Beth Pennington, her parents were a big part of the organization. John and Barbara Denson were Beth’s biggest supporters. They helped out at events, served on the board, and whatever else was needed.
Barbara answered the Military Missions phone for many years. If she ever answered one of your calls, you would never forget her. Beth explained it best by saying “she practically became best friends with the caller on the other end”.
Read Beth’s full letter HERE.
We were all heartbroken to hear of Barbara’s passing on October 21, 2022. Because she had touched so many people throughout the years, we knew we wanted to do something to keep her legacy alive.
We decided to create the annual Barbara Denson Memorial Volunteer Award. The award is to be presented annually in 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 immediately knew who the first award recipient should be… Liliana Robinette, a 9-year-old member of the American Heritage Girls group, who have been supporters of Military Missions for many years.
In November 2022, Liliana decided she wanted to raise money to purchase items so we could make enough Christmas care packages to send to all the deployed troops on our list. With a little help from mom, Liliana created a video and put out a plea for help. In a short time, she had raised several hundred dollars and was able to purchase many needed care package items. However, the donations kept coming in and by the end of November she had raised a total of $620 plus additional items. We knew this young girl had a heart and passion to serve others!
In January 2023, we attended the American Heritage Girls meeting to surprise Liliana with her award. Along with her certificate, she was presented with a volunteer appreciation pin, a cup, and a gingerbread cookie apron. We even took enough gingerbread cookies for all the other girls. (You must read Beth’s letter to understand the gingerbread connection.)
We are honored to announce Liliana as the very first recipient of the annual Barbara Denson Memorial Volunteer Award. Hopefully she will be a supporter of Military Missions for many more years!