American Rescue Workers celebrate 75 years

The annual American Rescue Workers awards banquet was filled with many things - laughter, prayer and much applause.

The awards banquet at the Genetti Hotel Monday night not only marked the 124th national awards banquet, but celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Williamsport Corps.

"This is a celebration, and a time of rejoicing," Col. Sam Astin, co-commanding officer of the Williamsport Corps, said. "It is time to honor and recognize the work that goes into making the American Rescue Workers what it is in this city."

Mayor Gabriel J. Campana, said the American Rescue Workers are a "vibrant and thriving presence in the city," and issued a proclamation declaring today "American Rescue Workers Williamsport Corps Day."

"Happy birthday, you look terrific," Campana said.

General Claude S. Astin Jr., former Williamsport Corps commanding officer and commander-in-chief of the national American Rescue Workers organization, said Sam and Col. Dawn Astin, co-commander of the Williamsport Corps, have taken the organization far beyond anything he could have imagined when Claude was first assigned to the city.

"I had a vision for the city of Williamsport, and we progressed," he said. "But then I was given the task of commanding the (national headquarters) and I turned it over to Cols. Sam and Dawn Astin, and they have taken it much further than I ever envisioned."

During the awards ceremony, the National Community Service Award was presented to Father John Manno, pastor of Annunciation Catholic Church, 702 W. Fourth St., who Claude Astin said served his community with "unbridled passion."

"It is rare to find an individual who Father Manno has not benefitted either directly or indirectly," he said.

Manno praised the Rescue Workers, who he said "practice love" and help the community in its times of greatest need.

"Remember that mini-disasters can become mini-miracles," he said.

Sam Astin presented Linell Stabler with the National Humanitarian Award for her work with A.C.E.S., an organization she co-founded in 2005. The group provides medical and other assistance to people in poverty-ridden areas in the Dominican Republic.

Stabler, who serves as the group's president, said her and her husband's first trip to the Dominican Republic was "uncomfortable enough to show us how blessed we are here."

Stabler, who lives in Cogan Station, said the organization is preparing for the grand opening of a school in the small Caribbean nation in July, which should be ready for classes to start in August.

Many of the supplies used by the organization are donated by the American Rescue Workers, which Stabler said is a great realtionship for both organizations.