In the spirit of Bob Hope

  • Published
  • By Megan Just
  • 452 AMW Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  It was an epic journey for March Air Reserve Base's epic volunteer, Mrs. Laura Froehlich. After more than 24 years of dedicated service, Froehlich embarked on a coast-to-coast train trip to Washington D.C. with her husband and grand¬children, where she recently was recognized with the Spirit of Hope Award, given in a ceremony at the Pentagon.

"It was a once in a lifetime experience," Froehlich said. "I am humbled an honored."

Cmdr. Steven Hartsel, former Commanding Officer of the Navy Operational Support Center Moreno Valley, nominated Froehlich for the Spirit of Hope award in March. Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, announced Froehlich as the winner July 15.

"Laura Froehlich is a tireless dynamo, an enthusiastic supporter of our troops and their families, and a caring, patriotic citizen who has dedicated many years of her life to enhance the experience of traveling to war and returning home," Commander Hartsel wrote in his nomination letter.

Every year, each branch of service selects one individual or organization whose patriotism and service to members of the United States military most reflects the patriotism, selfless dedication and service of Mr. Bob Hope. Hope entertained troops around the world for more than 50 years and was designated an honorary veteran in 1997 by special congressional resolution.

Froehlich began volunteering to serve troops in 1985 through the Moreno Valley Military Affairs Committee, which she eventually chaired. After 9/11, when an increasing number of troops began leaving for the Middle East via March ARB, Froehlich began collecting donations and with the help of her team of more than 100 volunteers, she transformed the austere Deployment Processing Hangar into a welcoming center where troops can relax and enjoy good food and entertainment.

Froehlich has also made a point of being present for the arrival and departure of virtually every March flight carrying troops to and from the Central Command region. As of the end of 2008, the period of time covered by the award, Froehlich had individually greeted more than 200,000 men and women on 4,000 flights.

"She is often the last private citizen they see before heading into theater, and the first person they see after setting foot back on North American soil," Commander Hartsel wrote in the nomination letter.

Commander Hartsel and NOSC Moreno Valley Executive Officer, Navy Lt. Ed Giron, flew to Washington D.C. to watch Froehlich accept the award.

"She really stole the show," Lieutenant Giron said. "When they read her citation, she got the loudest applause. It seemed like half the room was there for her."

After Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink, Chief of the Navy Reserve, placed the Sprit of Hope medal around Froehlich's neck, she thanked her family and friends for their support and with humility, then thanked the troops by saying that she accepted the Spirit of Hope Award on their behalf.

"I keep getting thanked for something I shouldn't be getting thanked for," Froehlich said after she returned home. "What I and my awesome group of volunteers do, we do it because it's the right thing to do. The men and women who put their life on the line everyday for my freedom, for my grandkids to play safe in my backyard, they're the ones that deserve to be thanked."

Lieutenant Giron found it fitting that Froehlich was selected for an award that was named in honor of Bob Hope. He sees a strong similarity in their vibrant personalities and dedication to service. Hope and Froehlich also share a tie to March, as it was in 1941 at March Field where Hope performed his first United Service Organization broadcast.

Froehlich is overwhelmed when she considers that she has been put in the same category as Hope.

"He has always been an inspiration to me as far as his countless hours of service and selflessness," Froehlich said.

Before the awards ceremony, Froehlich toured the Pentagon and met with Admiral Debbink. She then joined the other services' Spirit of Hope Award winners to meet the Secretary of the Air Force, Mr. Michael Donley, who was the host of this year's ceremony. After the conclusion of ceremony, Froehlich met Bob Hope's daughter, Hap Arnold's grandson and Charles Lindbergh's grandson.

"She's a unique individual who a lot of people are connected to through her service," Lieutenant Giron observed. "In the higher echelons of the military everyone seemed to know who she was."

During the trip, Froehlich reunited with many service members who used to work with her at March, as well as service members who have transited through her deployment hangar. In the time between scheduled events, Froehlich and her entourage of friends, family members, and Navy colleagues toured the war memorials at the National Mall.

"I just can't believe everything that's happened. It was an incredible, incredible four days. The Navy treated me like gold," Froehlich said.

Froehlich's break from volunteer duties lasted only the duration of her trip.

"As soon as she got back, she went out to March to meet a flight," Lieutenant Giron said. "After traveling for three days on the train back from D.C., instead of going home resting and taking a week off, she went straight back to March to help others and greet the incoming returnees."

"I have yet to miss an arrival," Froehlich said.

Although Froehlich is quick to dismiss the amount of time and energy she pours into serving troops, Commander Hartsel and Lieutenant Giron knew her service was exceptional and they were honored to have been the ones to nominate her for the Spirit of Hope Award.

"She's always recognizing everyone else, it's nice to see her be recognized for a change," said Lieutenant Giron.