IMBG-MWA-V Updated 12 Sep 12 INFORMATION ... - Fort Bragg

INFORMATION PAPER 

IMBG-MWA-V 

Updated 12 Sep 12 

SUBJECT: Iron Mike Award for Volunteer Service/Iron Mike Award for 

Youth Volunteer Service 

1. Purpose. To provide specific award criteria for the subject award 

and additional star pins. This information clarifies information 

contained in Fort Bragg Regulation 608-1, Installation Volunteer 

Recognition and Awards Program, dated 27 Apr 09, and adds additional 

information for youth volunteers age 10-17. 

2. Facts. 

a. The Iron Mike Pin for Volunteer Service was created by the 

Installation Volunteer Advisory Council as an elite award for Fort 

Bragg volunteers who go above and beyond in their volunteer service. 

The symbol of “Iron Mike” was used because of its significance to the 

installation. One key element in the award process is registration by 

the volunteer and documentation of volunteer hours each month in the 

Department of Army web-based Volunteer Management Information System 

(VMIS) located at www.MyArmyOneSource.com. This process enables the 

installation to track the contributions of the volunteer workforce as 

well as provide the benefits allowed by law. 

b. Beginning 1 April 10, specific criteria for youth volunteers 

has been identified to allow better recognition of those volunteers 

age 10-17. The criteria is outlined in the information below. 

Nominations for the Iron Mike Award for Youth Volunteer Service will 

be accepted beginning July 2010 for the Apr-Jun quarter. 

c. The Iron Mike Pin and Stars are presented each quarter at a 

reception by the Commanding General or his designated representative. 

d. There is no limit to the number of nominations a unit or 

organization can submit per quarter, however, each nomination must be 

written specifically for that individual volunteer based on their 

respective contributions. 

e. Nominations on a quarterly basis allow for more timely 

recognition of volunteers, particularly when special projects are 

involved, whether short or long term. 

f. All volunteers, to include youth volunteers, must be 

officially REGISTERED in the VMIS. Complete registration includes a 

current DD 2793, Volunteer Agreement for each statutory position, and 

a DA 5671, Parent Permission Form for youth volunteers. The DD 2793 

and DA 5671 (if applicable) must be uploaded into VMIS for 

verification purposes. Volunteers must also have current documented




hours in the system in order to be nominated. Nominating officials 

must verify hours prior to submission of the nomination that the 

volunteer is current on registration and hours. 

g. For adult volunteers, hours documented AFTER 1 October 2000 

are counted toward Iron Mike criteria; youth volunteer hours 

documented after 1 October 2008 are counted. Accrual of hours is ongoing 

and will not restart at the beginning of a new year. 

h. Individuals who are DoD civilians, active duty military, or 

contract employees are not eligible for this award unless the 

justification reflects volunteer service not connected with the 

individuals paid duties. 

i. Individuals cannot be awarded more than two Iron Mike awards 

for service provided within a calendar year. 

j. All nominations will be reviewed by the Volunteer Awards 

Review Committee (currently three-five members representing a cross 

section of volunteer agencies) who will base their decision (approval/ 

disapproval) by comparing the nomination justification and the 

established criteria. It is critical that the written nomination be a 

detailed account of the contributions made by the volunteer during the 

identified quarter. All decisions are subjective based on the 

narrative provided. 

k. Due to a very tight timeline, and in order to be fair and 

consistent across the board, nominations that have been reviewed by 

the committee and are disapproved will not be provided the opportunity 

to make corrections, re-write nominations, or provide other required 

information. Nominations can be resubmitted for the next quarter 

provided the volunteer service meets the criteria during that 

particular quarter. 

l. The reception months and cutoff dates for nominations are as 

follows: 

Quarter Nominations Due Presentation* 

January-March First Friday in April End of April 

April-June First Friday in July End of July 

July-September First Friday in October End of October 

October-December First Friday in January End of January 

*Date is tentative based on command group calendars. 

2 A. Stephens, 6-8160




3. Iron Mike Lapel Pin. 

a. Impact extends beyond the immediate organization; 

b. Volunteer may serve in more than one organization; 

c. Volunteer has been recognized at the organization level for 

individual contributions; 

d. Adult volunteers must have documented (in VMIS) a minimum of 

300 hours since 1 Oct 2000, and includes hours within the designated 

quarter coinciding with the written justification (may be a combined 

total from more than one organization/unit); 

e. Youth volunteers must have documented (in VMIS) a minimum of 

150 hours since 1 Oct 2008, and includes hours within the designated 

quarter coinciding with the written justification (may be a combined 

total from more than one organization/unit); 

f. Volunteer may not receive more than one Iron Mike pin; 

g. Nomination may be made by any individual who has direct 

knowledge of the volunteer service; 

h. Approval of the nomination is organization director or 

the O-6 commander/CSM or above. This is an approval of the nomination 

only and does not automatically signify approval of the award. In 

cases where the unit is deployed, the Rear Detachment Commander or 

designee may sign the nomination. 

4. Iron Mike Bronze Star. 

a. Significant impact on the organization/unit or contributions 

to an organization or installation special event (such as FRG event, 

Military Spouse Day, Girl Scout camporee, etc.); 

b. Adult volunteers must have documented (in VMIS) a minimum of 

500 hours and includes hours within the designated quarter coinciding 

with the written justification (may be a combined total from more than 

one organization/unit); 

c. Youth volunteers must have documented (in VMIS) a minimum of 








c. Must have previously received the Iron Mike pin; 

d. Justification for the Bronze Star must reflect additional 

service above and beyond the same service included in the 

justification for the Iron Mike pin; 

e. Nomination may be made by any individual who has direct 


f. Approval of the nomination is organization director or the O-6 

commander/CSM or above. This is an approval of the nomination only 

and does not automatically signify approval of the award. In cases 

where the unit is deployed, the Rear Detachment Commander or designee 

may sign the nomination. 

g. Volunteers may receive more than one Bronze Star, however, the 

justification must reflect contributions different from the previous 

award. 

5. Iron Mike Silver Star. 

a. Service impacts a specific segment of the entire community 

(contributes to the accomplishment of the Fort Bragg mission or to the 

welfare of soldiers and family members); 

b. Adult volunteers must have documented (in VMIS) a minimum of 




c. Youth volunteers must have documented (in VMIS) a minimum of 




d. Nomination may be made by any individual who has direct 


e. Approval of the nomination is the organization director or the 

O-6 commander/CSM or above. This is an approval of the nomination 








f. Must have previously received Iron Mike Pin and Bronze Star; 

g. Justification for the Silver Star must reflect additional 


justification for the Iron Mike pin and Bronze Star; 

h. Volunteers may receive more than one Silver Star, however, the 

justification must reflect contributions different from the previous 

award. 

6. Iron Mike Gold Star. 

a. Recognizes outstanding and distinguished support to the entire 

Fort Bragg community in at least two or more organizations or 

agencies, however, exceptional service impacting the entire 

installation in one organization for an extended period of time may be 

considered; 

b. Must hold a leadership position in the organization; 

c. Volunteer efforts are significant in nature and produce 

tangible results (i.e., increased earnings in Thrift Shop, Military 

Spouse Day Conference Committee, etc.); 

d. Adult volunteers must have documented (in VMIS) a minimum of 

1,000 hours and includes hours within the designated quarter 

coinciding with the written justification (may be a combined total 

from more than one organization/unit); 

e. Youth volunteers must have documented (in VMIS) a minimum of 




f. Nomination may be made by any individual who has direct 


g. Approval of the nomination is the organization director or the 

O-6 commander/CSM or above. This is an approval of the nomination 








h. Justification for the Gold Star must reflect additional 


justification for the Iron Mike pin, Bronze and Silver Stars; 

i. Must have previously received the Iron Mike Pin, Bronze Star 

and Silver Star; 

j. Volunteer may not receive more than one Gold Star per calendar 

year.

IMBG-MWA-V Updated 12 Sep 12 INFORMATION ... - Fort Bragg

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