Celebrating the Spirit of Giving
April is National Volunteer Month, and employees at Spirit AeroSystems in the U.S. and abroad exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and giving back to their communities. Spirit employees and their families give back in ways both big and small; they give generously of their time and money.
In 2018, almost 5,000 Spirit employees, family members and friends volunteered in their communities on behalf of Spirit AeroSystems. Combined, these individuals contributed nearly 17,000 hours of their time to support organizations who make positive contributions within the community.
They packaged and delivered food to families who might otherwise not have access to healthy meals. They collected clothing, toys and personal items for neighbors in need. They donated supplies for schools, so children will have access to the tools they need to get the best possible education. They participated in a number of activities celebrating our veterans and active duty service men and women. They created fun activities to engage and inspire kids through STEM2 (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and manufacturing). They served meals to the hungry. They volunteered at events that promote the arts. They made blankets and stuffed animals to be given to children going through difficult times. They built homes for deserving families.
Seeing the impact that Spirit volunteers make in their communities is truly inspiring, and every single individual who donated their time is to be celebrated. Each year, Spirit’s sites nominate individuals to be recognized as Outstanding Volunteers, and while every volunteer is valued and celebrated, 13 individuals are being recognized as 2018 Outstanding Volunteers.
Wichita, Kansas, USA
LAUREN DIEHL-IGNOWSKI
Lauren was recognized for continuously going above and beyond to help coordinate Team Spirit events in South Hangar. She never hesitates to help raise money for someone in need, collect donations for people who have lost loves ones, as well as for Team Spirit events like Tools for School and Spirit of the Harvest.
BRIAN HICKMAN
Brian is counted on year after year to support the Wichita River Festival. Thanks to Brian’s efforts, the second Saturday of the River Fest has become known as Spirit Volunteer Day because he coordinates bringing in more than one hundred Team Spirit volunteers to support the event.
SHAWN SMITH
Shawn is always willing to go above and beyond to help a fell employee and to support Team Spirit events. He can always be counted on to make time to help organize fundraisers and host events in his area. Most importantly, he truly cares about the wellbeing of Spirit’s employees and their loved ones.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
Richard Cox
Richard is being recognized for his leadership with the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk. Through his leadership, Spirit was able to surpass its $50,000 fundraising goal to support the organization
MICHAEL SOFIELD
Michael is a regular monthly volunteer at the Tulsa Food Bank. He brings both his wife and his daughter with him each month to support the efforts of the Food Bank to help reduce food poverty in the Tulsa community.
McAlester, Oklahoma, USA
Lee Wilcox
The time and effort Lee has put into his role as Good Neighbor Fund board member is exemplary. He is a relationship builder and has engaged many Spirit employees with his enthusiasm and drive to help those in need. He was instrumental in the success of McAlester’s Coat/Hat/Sock Drive in 2018.
Joel Snow
Joel has wholly invested in Spirit and the McAlester community. He has committed his time and efforts to engage employees and mentor many. Joel’s leadership and relationships with others made for a successful Coat/Hat/Sock Drive in 2018. He has also spent several hours with the students and teachers of Kiamichi Technology Center, sharing his machinist experience and encouraging others’ success.
Kinston, North Carolina, USA
Jason Trull
Jason is a Kinston native and has been with Team Spirit in Kinston since Day 1. He is involved with the local Chamber of Commerce and helps plan all of Spirit’s large community events, most notably the Barbecue Festival on the Neuse. Jason volunteers at student manufacturing days and job fairs and organizes Spirit’s participation in blood drives and Habitat for Humanity’s annual Women Build event.
Charlene Wells
Charlene is active in a member of Team Spirit in Kinston and gives freely of her time to support her community. She can be counted on to volunteer in virtually every event. She shows up, jumps in and works hard until the event concludes. Spirit and the Kinston community are lucky to have her.
Prestwick, Scotland, UK
ADALINE FINLAYSON
Adaline supports many Team Spirit events including the Charity Burns Support, annual awards and beach cleanup. She also actively supports Spirit career fairs and STEM2 events. In 2018, Adaline established and organized a charity bowling tournament, a new event for Team Spirit in Prestwick.
Saint-Nazaire, France
SAMIA EAVES
The time and effort that Samia puts into volunteer activities in the community are unmatched. She is an efficient, organized and results-oriented woman.
Subang, Malaysia
MUHAMAD ARIF BIN ABDUL RAHMAN
Arif has actively dedicated his time to volunteer for community and youth outreach programs since 2016. He uses his skills and knowledge in home repair for his volunteer activities in schools, orphanages and assisted living homes. In 2018, Arif led the orphanage home program and encouraged his colleagues to participate. His team raised around RM3000 to donate to the program.
MOHD. HEIKAL PINTO KHAIRI PINTO
Heikal Pinto has been with Spirit since the opening of the Subang site in 2009 and has consistently volunteered for Spirit’s community programs; he is the main contributor for program coordination. He is active as a member of the Malaysian Nature Society and has painted many murals for schools and homes. In 2018, Heikal Pinto led the soup kitchen program, distributing packaged food and clothes to the homeless
