JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas   –   The 59th Medical Wing hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon to honor the individuals whose selfless service contributed to support across clinics and services in 2025.

To date, the 59th MDW volunteer team includes 85 individuals, with 67 active as of June 2025. Volunteers have supported over 20 clinics and offices including Emergency Medicine, Pharmacy, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Immunizations, Gastroenterology, the Chaplain’s Office, and more.

Col. Wade Adair, 59th Medical Wing deputy commander, acknowledged the impact of the volunteers' efforts during a year marked by tight staffing and funding challenges.

“This has been a super challenging year for the 59th Medical Wing from a staffing and funding standpoint,” said Adair. “Every year we depend on our volunteers for their service to all of our clinics, to our staff, and our patients—and this year has truly been exceptional. Our volunteers have stepped up and helped where they were needed and where they felt called to serve.”

In 2024, volunteers contributed 7,596.5 hours—equating to an estimated value of $264,282.24 based on the federal volunteer hour rate of $34.79. That figure surpassed the 2023 total of 6,924.8 hours valued at $231,911.55. According to internal records, 2025 is on pace to exceed both years, with consistent increases in monthly volunteer hours since February.

Master Sgt. Anthony Eberly, who assumed responsibility for the volunteer program in February 2025, was recognized for revitalizing the process and helping onboard new volunteers from across the installation.

Longtime volunteer Christa Bienko, whose familiar presence at Wilford Hall has brightened the days of patients and staff alike for 34 years and a cumulative total of 9,452 hours reflected on why she loves to volunteer.

“It makes me feel good, first of all, and second, that I can help other people. They’re happy, and I like to see happy people, so that makes me happy too.”

Bienko also shared how the sense of community has supported her personally. “My husband passed away and this helps me to not feel alone. I feel like I’m with my Air Force family.”

Looking ahead, the volunteer program expects to expand with increased participation from the American Red Cross and additional base organizations.

Referencing the enduring importance of service, Adair added a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

“By our volunteers’ example today, there is no doubt what the answer is to that question. They’ve demonstrated it by their many hours and years of volunteer service to us.”

Those interested in becoming a 59th Medical Wing volunteer can contact MSgt Anthony Eberly at anthony.j.eberly2.mil@health.mil or visit the Volunteer Services Office at Wilford Hall.

*For more photos, visit our 59th Medical Wing Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16oUq196E6/