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Photo Information

Jim Westerholm (left), Marine Air-Ground Task Force Command, Control and Communications deputy program manager, presents Dave Garvin with the President's Call to Service Award during the MAGTF C3 Town Hall Jan. 16, 2013.

Photo by Bill Johnson-Miles

MCSC engineer earns President’s Call to Service Award

1 Feb 2013 | Bill Johnson-Miles, MCSC Corporate Communications Marine Corps Systems Command

By Bill Johnson-Miles, MCSC Corporate Communications

A Marine Corps Systems Command volunteer has given back to his community so much that it has been noticed by the White House. David Garvin, an MCSC engineer, volunteered more than 800 hours last year, which pushed him past 4,000 volunteer hours for his lifetime. His willingness to help earned him a 2012 gold-level President’s Volunteer Service Award, his sixth consecutive award, and the President’s Call to Service Award for lifetime achievement.

“Thank you for helping to address the most pressing needs in your community and our country,” President Barack Obama wrote in a congratulatory letter to Garvin. “Thank you for your devotion to service and for doing all you can to shape a better tomorrow for our great nation.”

The MCSC engineer volunteers with the Rappahannock Valley Amateur Radio Club, King George Amateur Radio Operators and King George Fire and Rescue. He has been helping KGFR and its predecessor, Dahlgren Rescue Squad, for 21 years serving as its safety officer, Bylaw Committee chairman, Apparatus Committee member, firefighter and an enhanced emergency medical technician.

“We provide all-hazard emergency services to the citizens of King George County and visitors,” Garvin said. “I enjoy helping people in their time of need and the camaraderie with people doing the same work.”

The volunteer fireman is the lead engineer for the Joint Battle Command Platform Project Office, Situational Awareness Integrated Product Team. The team is part of the Digital Fires and Situational Awareness product management office within MCSC’s Marine Air-Ground Task Force Command, Control and Communications, or MAGTF C3.

"We in MAGTF C3 are extremely proud of Dave and his lifetime devotion to volunteerism,” said James Westerholm, MAGTF C3’s deputy program manager. “Receiving the President's Call to Service Award is an honor bestowed on few individuals for their lifelong commitment to giving back to our community. Having it be one of our own in MAGTF C3 is exceptionally rewarding for all of us.”

“Receiving this award speaks volumes about your character, your devotion and significantly illustrates the Corps principles and values,” said Brig. Gen. Frank Kelley, MCSC commander, in a letter of appreciation to Garvin. “Reaching this level within the PVSA program is a true accomplishment.”

Garvin is one of six MCSC team members to earn a 2012 President’s Volunteer Service Award.

“The personal passion and dedication demonstrated by MCSC volunteers transcends into the workplace,” Westerholm added. “They bring leadership and teamwork qualities to our workforce every day. These qualities are contagious, which in turn makes us a much stronger organization."