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As the year grows closer to its end and before we get involved in holiday festivities, I am honored to acknowledge the contribtions of volunteers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty aboard this ship which I am honored to Captain.As always, it is difficult to pick one volunteer out of so many that contribute so much. So first, let me thank all of you again for the work you do, the time you spend, the eye strain you suffer. Your efforts are forever appreciated by myself, my staff, and the genealogy community at large.
Now, I wish to announce that AL O'BRIEN and RALPH BARHORST have been selected as the 2004 ISTG Volunteers of the Year.Al has been with ISTG for four years and has transcribed over 130 passenger lists. His on-going eagerness for a new list never ceases to amaze me and his patience while waiting for one to arrive in the mail has always been remarkable.
Ralph, who has endured a shorter tour of duty with the Guild, has nonetheless contributed his time and talents to the group in assisting me with the rigorous tasks of getting a great number of lists out to our dedicated transcribers.
I hope both men will continue for many years to come as they are truly "Bringing Our Ancestors Home" and are a blessing to us all.
Our "Top Honorable Mention" this year goes to ANNE WATSON and making this award is bittersweet. We celebrate her life and all the wonderful moments we shared with her and we mourn her passing. Anne went home on Thursday, June 10th of this year, after a long illness. Anne, along with Bob, her husband of 47 years, was among the Charter Members who formed the Guild in 1998. She leaves four children and will be dearly missed.
I also want to take this time to thank one of the most excellent staffs anyone could be blessed to have: Don, Donna, Pam, Mary Beth, Sheila and all of the staff helpers, Beverly, Ines, Libby, and Nancy who do a tremendous job and contribute so much time and effort. There are volunteers that are behind the scenes working and sometimes I don't even know who they are or how much work they do, but I do know how much they are appreciated by the staff and myself.
I said this last year and with more troops being deployed daily, it seems fitting to repeat it. During the year we have been focused on things other than our volunteer work. We have been glued, at times, to our favorite news channel, watching the unfolding of events that consume our hearts and our prayers. There is a time for every season and a time for every purpose under Heaven. May all our troops soon be safely home with their families.
God Bless you all for your commitment and for your love - not only your love of genealogy and the difficult work you do but your love for one another which is clearly evident among you and extremely heart-warming on a daily basis.
Thank you again, to volunteers and visitors alike.
Peace to you and those you love,
Patty19 October 2004
