Area volunteers awarded Governor's Medallion

Richard Eisemann of Morehead City says he is just one of the many volunteers who make things happen in their communities.

“I know in my heart that volunteers can make all the difference in the world uplifting people,” said the retired Air Force chaplain recognized for his own service to community.

Eisemann was one of two area residents to receive the 2009 Governor’s Medallion Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service awarded by the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service. The award was presented to 20 volunteers from around the state.

Also among the area recipients was Onslow County resident William Sidberry, who was nominated by the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program for the 4th Judicial District.

Sidberry has been a volunteer with the program for more than 13 years and given more than 3,100 hours of service during that time.

"I am very honored to receive this Governor's Medallion Award for the State of North Carolina and eastern North Carolina area and I receive the award in honor of all the volunteers throughout the state of North Carolina,” he said.

Guardian ad Litem volunteers, paired with an attorney, represent the best interest of abused and neglected children in court.

"That's what touches me the most, that I can be a voice for children," he said.

Aletha Pugh, volunteer coordinator for the Guardian ad Litem program’s 4th Judicial District, said a single case can take a year or more to close and Sidberry has demonstrated the commitment necessary and made a positive impact on children and families.

“In 13-plus years of service, he has investigated, monitored and closed 25 cases involving 45 children,” Pugh said.

In Carteret County, Eisemann has also impacted families but in a different capacity.

Eisemann was nominated for the award by Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity, an ecumenical Christian nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing for residents in need.

He has volunteered with the Carteret County-based Habitat affiliate for more than eight years. He provides leadership on the Board of Directors and chairs the Family Nurture & Support Committee.

Eisemann said his reward is seeing families seeing their dream of home ownership come true.

“It does my heart good,” he said. “You can see tears in their eyes when the houses are dedicated.”

The recipients of the Governor’s Medallion Award were recognized Nov. 2 by Gov. Bev Perdue at a ceremony at the State Capitol.