Congressional Silver bestowed to Team Whiteman member

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Linch
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  One of Whiteman's finest, Samantha Wielert, daughter of Teresa and retired Master Sgt. James Wielert, received a Silver Congressional Award Jan. 16 at the youth center for volunteering her time to various causes and activities in the Warrensburg and Whiteman AFB communities. 

Congressman Ike Skelton, 4th District, State of Missouri, and Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak, 509th Bomb Wing commander, presented the award to Ms. Wielert for her accomplishments. 

"The Congressional Award program is not just a program about meeting personal goals," said Ms. Wielert. "It is about growing up and overcoming possible fears." 

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress' award for young Americans. It is a non-partisan, voluntary and non-competitive award that offers young people the opportunity to set personally challenging goals and achieve them. 

The program is open to all 14- to 23-year-olds. Participants can earn bronze, silver and gold congressional award certificates and bronze, silver and gold congressional award medals. 

Each level involves setting goals in four program areas; volunteer public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition. 

Ms. Wielert volunteered her time to various causes, such as raising funds in support of Survival House and volunteering with the local Head Start program to earn her the Silver Congressional Award. 

She is currently a sophomore at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Mo., where she has been on the Dean's List since her freshmen year and served as the student government association president, student ambassador and resident advisor. After she graduates in May, she intends to attend the University of Missouri pursuing a bachelor's and master's degree in social work. 

Ms. Wielert was chosen as Whiteman's 2007 Youth of the year and Missouri's Boys and Girls Clubs 2007 Youth of the Year. Her awards include the Missouri Community College Association Leadership Award, William C. Hopkins Award for Excellence, Coca Cola Award and the Congressional Bronze and Silver Medals. 

"The program has taught me to be more outgoing," Ms. Wielert said. "I have merged myself into new situations and through this program, I have met new people and learned to strive harder for goals that I would like to pursue. 

"This is one small reflection of all she has done," General Harencak said of Ms. Wielert's accomplishments.