Eloise Ogden/MDN Becky Dewitz, right, director of Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, and Renee Escherich, left, public programs manager, are shown with Col. David Ballew, vice commander of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base. Ballew accepted a 2016 Volunteer Recognition Award on behalf of Minot Air Force Base for the many volunteer hours the men and women of the base have given to the zoo.

When Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot is in need of help with preseason cleanup and other projects during the year, many men and women at Minot Air Force Base and their families do not hesitate to answer the call.

Becky Dewitz, zoo director, and Renee Escherich, public programs manager, on behalf of the zoo and the Minot Zoo Crew, recognized them with an award for volunteering more than 1,100 volunteer hours in 2016.

Col. David Ballew, vice commander of the 5th Bomb Wing, accepted the 2016 Volunteer Recognition Award on behalf of the base. The “Star Award” was presented at the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee held in the Grand Hotel in Minot, Thursday.

Escherich said the zoo asks for help from individuals and organizations with its preseason cleanup and a number of other projects.

“Throughout 2016 the men and women at Minot Air Force Base again have enthusiastically answered this call and is the No. 1 community volunteer group for the third year running,” said Escherich.

She said hundreds of military members and their families contributed to the more than 1,100 volunteer hours in 2016.

Escherich said Roosevelt Park Zoo and the Minot Park District are very thankful for the base’s continued support and the community partnership that they share with the base.