Published: January 09, 2009 05:05 pm      

Chaplain receives President’s Volunteer Service Award

Chaplain Danny Moon, founder of the Johnson County Fire Chaplain’s Association, called on all county residents to volunteer and serve their community Thursday.

“If I can do it, anyone can,” Moon said. “I’m calling out for volunteers, for everyone to do something. It doesn’t have to be with us. It can be with Meals-On-Wheels, the Salvation Army, a local nursing home. Even an hour a week makes a difference.”

Moon’s remarks came as he received the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the Johnson County Courthouse.

County Judge Roger Harmon presented the award to Moon along with a thank-you letter from President Bush.

“It’s an honor for me to even be asked to make this presentation to Danny,” Harmon said. “I’ve always said that there’s no greater gift than to work to serve your fellow man, and I believe God ordained us all to serve.”

Chaplain Fellowship Ministries of Temple announced Moon’s receipt of the award Dec. 26. The award is a national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service. Chaplain Fellowship Ministries is an official certifying organization for the award program.

The JCFCA, founded by Moon in 2001, works to assist first responder rescue workers and victims during fires, tornadoes and other traumatic events.

“Volunteers like Chaplain Moon are role models for all Americans,” said Chaplain Gibson, president of Chaplain Fellowship Ministries. “Each volunteer hour contributed makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others, and we encourage everyone to contribute to their community by volunteering.”

Bush, in his 2002 State of the Union Address, created the USA Freedom Corps and called on every American to make a lifelong commitment to volunteer service.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals who have answered that call.

The award is open to all Americans. To be eligible, individuals must complete at least 4,000 hours of volunteer service. Moon received the highest of the four awards offered.

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, also sent Moon a congratulatory proclamation, and Harmon told Moon the Johnson County Commissioners Court plans to honor him as well.

Several members of Moon’s team joined him at the presentation.

“I give credit to my team members and all the organizations and volunteers who have helped us,” Moon said. “Without them, we couldn’t have done any of this.

“It’s about helping the first responders though because if we can’t help them, they can’t help anybody else.”

Past that, Moon took his accolades in stride.

“It’s not about that [awards],” Moon said. “We do it to help people, do it for the glory of God.”

Moon encouraged those interested to volunteer for, donate or sponsor the JCFCA.

“After helping out with [Hurricane] Ike, we’re low on funds and supplies, and the next emergency is always just around the corner,” Moon said. “We’re a non-denominational organization so church groups and everybody is welcome.

For information on the JCFCA, call 817-223-3089 or visit www.jcfirechaplains.org.