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Presidential volunteer award presented to Denver’s Sam Snyder.
BY MELISSA McKEWEN
Salvation Army volunteer Sam Snyder—an Army soldier since April 2011—received the national Drum Major for Service award on Jan. 10 at the Harbor Light Center in Denver, Colo., where he is a graduate and employee. The 100 people attending included local officers, men in the Harbor Light program and staff members who had worked with Snyder.
“Sam is a unique blend of humility, skill and good humor. He deserves this award,” said Lt. Colonel Raymond Peacock, Metro Denver director of social services, as he presented a lapel pin, certificate and congratulatory letter from President Obama to Snyder.
The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation—established in 2003— grants the award to individuals selected from nominations it receives. A presidential volunteer award, it is based on a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—a call for all people to reach out and help others. The tribute recognizes those who go above and beyond through leadership and volunteer work.
“I am so excited to be a part of serving the community. The one slogan that I tell the men in my job readiness class is to ‘work hard, keep a good attitude and don’t get caught up.’ This is one of the things that has helped me for a long time,” Snyder said. “I believe that God opens doors that no man can shut and he closes doors that no man can open. We should always give back; that is how blessings keep coming to us. We have to give away what God has given to us. We must keep the faith to inspire those around us.”
Snyder’s ministries include music, testimony and preaching at the Lighthouse Corps. He leads the “Beacons,” who are active in adult rehabilitation centers (ARC) and citadel outreach efforts. A graduate of both the ARC and Harbor Light programs, he plans to pursue Salvation Army officership.
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