POTOSI, Mo. — The Eastern Region of the USDA Forest Service, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has just announced the winners of the 2021 Volunteer and Service Awards.
In the Group Award category, Don and Terry McMillen received an Honorable Mention for their excellent service. The McMillens have shown exemplary stewardship through their volunteer host duties at Silver Mines Recreation Area.
The couple not only maintained the campground to very high standards, they also routinely made their way around the campground to make contact with up to 100 visitors each week. Talking to all these visitors helped them share good stewardship practices and a love for camping at Forest Service sites with a multitude of people.
“Visitors often provided positive feedback about how much they appreciate our host couple, about how nicely Don and Terry kept the grass manicured and how very clean the restrooms were at the site,” stated District Ranger Becky Ewing. Ewing believes the hosts and their dedication to service has kept campers happy and coming back.
The McMillans ensure that critical needs of campers are met, going above and beyond to provide them with all the resources they might need for their stay. Through their own initiative, they’ve even created an online forum to post St. Francis River information and happenings at the campground. During the recreation season, they are on duty at Silver Mines seven days a week, 24 hours a day to provide visitors with the best possible experience.
I am very glad that our recreation staff, Melissa Baechle to be specific, nominated the McMillans for this award, and I am excited that the Forest Service Eastern Region has recognized them for their excellent service!” stated Ewing.