Active volunteer named Military Citizen of Year

By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
April 17, 2003
When he's not tracking Navy planes across the sky, Petty Officer 1st Class James Page keeps a jet-powered volunteer schedule in his community.
The Meridian Navy League on Wednesday named Page, an air traffic controller at Naval Air Station Meridian, as Military Citizen of the Year, partly based on his participation in more than than 40 volunteer activities last year alone.
Page was one of seven Navy and Marine Corps servicemen recognized for outstanding contributions to their community through volunteer service. His selection as Military Citizen of the Year was announced at a Navy League luncheon at NAS Meridian.
The father of seven children, Page received his honor in front of a crowd of about 75 people, including officers, soldiers and family members. He said he loves to volunteer but never expected to be honored for helping others.
Page received several awards, including a gold watch, a $50 savings bond and a membership to the Fleet Reserve Association.
Bill Johnson, Navy League president, said those who were recognized were chosen because of their moral and mental strength. He also said he admires Page, as well as the others, and they have inspired him to do more volunteer work.
Others recognized by their NAS commands were Odis Gilmore, Gilbert Ramon, Willie E. Shields, Melissa Thornhill, Steven Delsie and Shawn A. Smith. Each soldier received a gift certificate to a local restaurant and a $50 check from the Navy League.
Navy League board member C.D. Smith said he was impressed by the hard work of the men and women in the military.
Page said although he appreciates the honor and will continue to do volunteer work, he cannot forget military personnel fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom.