ARedmond native recently received a high honor for giving back.

Army Cpl. Bryce Wolford, a 2009 Central Christian School graduate, was presented with the Spirit of Service award at last month’s American Legion National Convention in Cincinnati. A member of each branch of the service received the award, which recognizes active-duty military members who give back to their communities.

“This country was founded on the backs of those who didn’t ask what was in it for them, rather what they could give to make our country great for everyone else,” Wolford told the audience.

Among the work Wolford, 25, has performed is helping expand the Soldiers Against Drunk Driving chapter at Fort Wainwright near Fairbanks, Alaska, from two to 25 members. His father, Mark Wolford, even said his son helped secure a bus to bring soldiers home after they’ve been drinking.

Bryce Wolford chose to volunteer to maintain that spirit of patriotism, he said.

“Giving of yourself, selflessly, provides more than a person may realize,” he said. “You are presenting yourself as an example to those around you. I have experienced this in my own volunteer journey, as people will pitch in and lend a helping hand, even just for a few hours, just to help out with a good cause.”

Giving back encourages kindness and giving in others, which leads to stronger communities, and builds on the patriotic values of the human spirit rather than profiting and gaining for oneself, said Wolford who went on to attend Western Oregon University on a scholarship after graduating from Central Christian.

Among those presenting Wolford with the award were Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and retired Marine Hershel “Woody” Williams, who earned the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.

“The day before, Hillary Clinton was standing at the same podium,” Mark Wolford said of the American Legion convention.

Wolford credited his parents with teaching him the values of integrity, hard work, discipline and respect.

“Anyone who carries these values understands the wonderful gift it is to volunteer and pay forward the acts of kindness and service that we have all received,” he said.

Wolford also volunteers with Fairbanks Big Brothers Big Sisters, where he mentors a 9-year-old boy, coaches a youth soccer team, assists the American Red Cross and reads to local elementary school children.

That made him a natural for the honor, which has been awarded for 15 years, according to the American Legion.

“He was chosen for the award not just because he is an outstanding soldier but because of the great work he does off-duty to make his community a better place,” American Legion spokesman John Raughter said.

Giving is nothing new for Wolford, his father said.

“He spent most of his young adult life doing a lot of volunteer work,” Mark Wolford said. “It wasn’t a complete shock to me that he won the award. He’s always given of himself. But it was pretty cool to see.”

— Reporter: 541-548-2186, gfolsom@redmondspokesman.com