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Volunteer Awards

Margaret Vinson Hallgren Award

The Margaret Vinson Hallgren Award was established in 1990 by the National Military Family Association in honor of Margaret Vinson Hallgren, an individual whose dedication, initiative and loyalty embody that of the ideal Volunteer. It is presented to recognize the “most valuable contribution” to the National Military Family Association by a Headquarters Volunteer or Board of Governors member. Click here to read more about this award.

Novella Gibson Whitehead Award

The Novella Gibson Whitehead Award was established in 1998 by the Department of Volunteer Services in honor of Novella Gibson Whitehead, one of the Association’s most dedicated Volunteers. The award is presented to an National Military Family Association Volunteer Representative who best fulfills the duties and responsibilities of their appointed position, and most effectively promotes the interests of the Association and those it serves. Click here to read more about this award.

The Volunteer Corps Service Award

The Volunteer Corps Service Award was established in 2010 by the Volunteer Services Department. The award recognizes a new Volunteer (under two years of volunteer service with the Association) who has displayed leadership in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of their appointed position and effectively promotes the interests of the Association and those it serves. Click here to read more about this award.

Julia H. Abrams Scholarship Program

The Julia H. Abrams Scholarship Program was established in 2005 by the National Military Family Association to allow its Employees, Volunteers and Representatives to further their education. It is so named to recognize the achievements of a former member of the Board of Advisors and a civic volunteer. At the urging of her husband, former Army Chief of Staff General Creighton W. Abrams, Jr., Julia founded the Arlington Ladies, a group who attended grave site internment services at Arlington National Cemetery.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award

The National Military Family Association is a certifying organization with the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council). The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. Recognizing and honoring volunteers sets a standard for service, encourages a sustained commitment to civic participation, and inspires others to make service a central part of their lives. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard – measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime.

Sydney Tally Hickey Internship

The National Military Family Association Representative/Volunteer Internship was created to honor and perpetuate the legacy of Sydney Tally Hickey, former Government Relations volunteer, Associate Director and Director. It is intended to nurture and encourage Association Volunteers interested in addressing issues affecting military families in support of our Government Relations Department.