Susan Marshall is a local resident who has done a lot of work in the background, in addition to her human resource role at the U.S. Army Prime Power School. Marshall has devoted more than 10,000 hours to people in need, including helping at local nursing homes and housing homeless children.
She was awarded the President’s lifetime achievement award, signed by Joe Biden, for her efforts.
Marshall stated that he was honored by the award. Marshall said, “I don’t do it to get the accolades. I do it because people matter to me. But I’m humbled that someone can see my heart.”
Marshall is originally from Opp in Alabama. She said that her drive to help others comes from her hometown. Marshall was six years old when her father died.
She said that she doesn’t recall ever being without money because the community came together to make sure. “I made a decision to give back because people made it possible for my, so I get joy from helping others.”
Marshall was brought by the Army to Fort Leonard Wood in 2008. She retired here in 2008 after 22 years of active duty service. The volunteer work she did as a Soldier continued when she became an Army civilian. One memorable moment she recalled was when, in 2006, she was in a church on Wednesday night and heard the words of a child who was hungry.
She said, “On Wednesday nights we always fed children.” “To this day I don’t understand why we didn’t feed the children at the church on Wednesday night, but I was given the task of taking the children home. A little boy in the back said, “What are we going to do?” It broke my heart that the church wouldn’t feed us tonight.
Marshall stated that Marshall took Marshall’s children to a restaurant.
She said, “To see those children, realizing that they were hungry for actual — my kids, when I ask them if they are hungry, they usually say that they don’t like the food on their plates — but these kids were hungry.” “I saw them eat and then one of them placed food in a bag. I asked her why and she replied that her mom hadn’t eaten. It was happening in our community, which broke my heart.”
Marshall was inspired and partnered with a national charity to organize a food truck that would distribute donated food in the area. It cost about $25,000.
She said, “The community came together and we made it happen.” “We have done four trucks in the time since.”
Marshall was not only able to feed the hungry, but she also helped organize what she called the “back-to-school extravaganza”.
She said that the school supplies and book bags are provided to local students.
Marshall started a shelter for homeless people in this area two years ago. She said that she is currently working on opening another one.
She said, “I don’t think we realized how dire the homeless situation is here.” It has been filled almost every day. It is one of my most rewarding acts of service, helping the homeless. It’s been a blessing to have veterans, families, and single people.
Marshall was a remarkable community leader, and it took a lot of tracking to get her this award.
He said that Marshall was the only person he has ever considered worthy of this recognition. I believe we should recognize people for the sacrifices they make. Although they may not do it for the awards but I think it is important to acknowledge their efforts. I am a strong advocate for volunteering in our community and I enjoy recognizing people who have done great things without any financial cost or sacrifice.
Marshall was presented with her award by Wilson on the first Sunday in the new year at the church she attends. He said that he made it surprise her.
He said, “I thought that surprising her would be the icing of the cake.” People often start thinking about what they will say when they are told they are going to receive something. But, I wanted to give it to my wife in her rawest state. It’s wonderful to give her an award of this magnitude in front people who she sets an example for every day. It was a wonderful way to honor her and the contributions she makes to our community.
Marshall’s passion for helping others extends to her work with service members, according to USAPPS 1st Sergeant. Marshall’s partner since 2016, Mark Verry.
He said, “I couldn’t be prouder working with her.” She has always been an example of servant leadership and putting people first. She supports food and toy drives during holidays to ease stress for young Soldiers and their families. Her connections have allowed Prime Power students to volunteer at community events, as well as other community activities.
Marshall stated that she would like to be retired from government in five years. She intends to return to Alabama to continue her travels.
She said, “I don’t like the food of any country. I just like to travel.” I like to see new things. “I like the outdoors.”
She said that one vacation she still has on her bucket list was a trip to San Francisco.
She said, “I want to go see Steph Curry at a Golden State Warriors basketball match and be in the front row.”
Marshall had offered some advice to her before that — something she has continued to follow throughout her entire life.
She said, “The only way you should look down upon someone is when you’re looking down to give them help.”
The post Opp native wins President’s Lifetime Achievement Award originally appeared on The AndalusiaStar-News.
