Sevier County Emergency Radio Service

THE MOUNTAIN PRESS Sevierville, TN

Bill Hicks, center, is shown presenting the President's Volunteer Service Award from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to Darrell Sperry, left and Rick Sawaya, Sr right.

On December 3, 2008 Bill Hicks (N4BHK) , Assistance Emergency Coordinator for Sevier County Emergency Radio Service presented the President's Volunteer Service Award from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to Darrell Sperry (KA4TAR) Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator for East Tennessee and to Rick Sawaya, Sr. (N4JTQ) Emergency Coordinator for Sevier County Emergency Radio Service.

In January 2002, President George W. Bush called on all American to dedicate at least 2 years , or 4,000 hours, over the course of their lives to serve others at home or abroad. Established in 2003, THE AWARD was created by President Bush to give Presidential recognition to those who met the requirements for volunteer service. Both Darrell and Rick have earned a Silver Award from the President's Council for having dedicated 4000+ hours in community service.

Darrell and Rick are both officers in Sevier County Emergency Radio Service (SCERS) and they volunteer primarily in maintaining emergency readiness in the field of amateur radio. Others may serve in countless ways such as mentoring a child, caring for an elderly neighbor, teaching someone to read, cleaning parks or creating a safer neighborhood.

The award from President Bush says in part, "Congratulations on receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. Through service to others, you demonstrate the outstanding character of America and help strengthen our country."