In the hum of Houston’s bustling airports, amid the flurry of travelers, it’s easy to focus on the 1,300 employees who ensure seamless operations every day. But behind the scenes, another force is quietly helping Houston Airports deliver its promise of “Houston-friendly” hospitality: volunteer ambassadors. In December 2024, their contributions were celebrated with the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)—a recognition as rare as it is prestigious.

A Milestone of Service

This year’s PVSA honorees included 42 Bronze, 11 Silver, 1 Gold and an elite 3 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. The awards celebrate service over 12 months, with volunteers contributing hundreds—and sometimes thousands—of hours to enhance operations and the traveler experience.

• Bronze level is awarded to those with volunteer service hours of 100 - 300 hours. 
• Silver Level is awarded to those with volunteer service hours over 300– 500 hours. 
• Gold Level is awarded to those with volunteer service hours over 500 hours.

Lifetime Achievement honorees James Gummelt, Frank Whiten and Gary Beard exemplify what it means to serve with distinction. Each has contributed over 4,000 hours of service over their lifetime-- the equivalent of two full years of full-time work, a milestone that reflects unparalleled commitment. Their work as Houston Airports Volunteer Ambassadors amplifies the efforts of airport employees, offering support during peak travel times, assisting in passenger wayfinding and adding personal touches that make journeys memorable.

“We couldn’t achieve the level of service Houston Airports is known for without the contributions of our volunteers,” said Liliana Rambo, chief terminal management and administration officer for Houston Airports. “They’re not replacing what our employees do—they’re enhancing it, ensuring we’re able to go above and beyond for every traveler.”

Each award recipient received a signed letter from President Joe Biden and a commemorative lapel pin.

<sub>The American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. I congratulate you on taking it upon yourself to contribute to the public good, and I’m proud to present you with the President’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition of your hours of service to this great Nation. 

Throughout our country’s history, the American story has been strengthened by those who combine an optimism about what can be with the resilience to turn that vision into reality. I know I’m not alone in recognizing that those who are willing to step up and volunteer in service of community and country are essential to the ongoing work of forming our more perfect union. 

By sharing your time and passion, you are helping discover and deliver solutions to the challenges we face – solutions that we need now more than ever. We are living in a moment that calls for hope and light and love. Hope for our futures, light to see our way forward, and love for one another. Through our service, you are providing all three. 

On behalf of the American people, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your volunteer leadership, and I encourage you to continue to answer the call to service. The country is counting on you.</sub> 

_{-President Joe Biden}

Houston Airports Volunteer Ambassadors Who Received President’s Bronze Volunteer Service Award

1. Renea Abshier
2. Cindy Alam
3. Paul Barker
4. Karen Bethune
5. Glenda Bowles
6. Louis Cavalli
7. Edith Chang
8. Richard Charles
9. Patricia Charles
10. Peter Chow
11. Rosa Churchwell
12. Morgan Davies
13. Debra Davis
14. Alfee Davis-Schofield
15. Marguerite Ann Davidson
16. Elizabeth Deguia
17. Wiley Diamond
18. Eileen Fanfair
19. Jennifer Farray
20. Earle Findley
21. Laverne Gill
22. Beverly Green
23. Billie Grod
24. Greg Hudson
25. Mary Lewis
26. Thurman Mayhew
27. Jane McClendon
28. Bill Moody
29. Christine Myers
30. Melita Nijdam
31. Lynden Rasch
32. Ciro Ribeiro
33. Ward Schmidt
34. Randy Tam
35. Doretta Taylor
36. Melba Tayolor
37. Ying Tong
38. Maria Ullery
39. Steve Ullery
40. Patricia Yates
41. Phyllis Yocum
42. Frank Whiten

 Houston Airports Volunteer Ambassadors Who Received President’s Silver Volunteer Service Award

1. Susan Barrow
2. Larry Bowles
3. Oliver Brown Jr.
4. Loc Bui
5. Sylvia Goss
6. James Gummelt
7. Edmund Newhard
8. Benedicta Orphe
9. Cordelia Jordan
10. Pamela Ritchie
11. Larry Zajicek

 Houston Airports Volunteer Ambassadors Who Received President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award

1. Gary Beard

Service Rooted in Collaboration

Established in 2003, the PVSA is a national honor recognizing sustained commitment to community service. For Houston Airports, this service is an integral part of its operations, particularly during high-traffic periods and major events. Volunteers work alongside employees, offering a seamless extension of the customer service team.

“When passengers walk through our airports, they see a unified effort,” said Ella Ghica, manager of outreach initiatives for Houston Airports. “Our volunteers work hand-in-hand with our employees, sharing the same goal: delivering a world-class experience. It’s that partnership that sets us apart.”

This spirit of collaboration was particularly evident in 2024 when Houston Airports saw record-breaking passenger numbers during peak travel periods like Spring Break and the holidays. The work of Houston Airports Volunteer Ambassadors reflects Houston’s spirit of generosity and resilience, embodying the city’s commitment to making travel better for all.

Houston Airports has 124 Volunteer Ambassadors, including 31 therapy dogs, who assist passengers at Bush and Hobby airports. To learn how to volunteer with Houston Airports, click here.