The annual VAR Outstanding Service Award is given out each Fall VAR to cavers within the Virginia Region who deserve special recognition for their long-time service to the Region. Nominees should have contributed to the Region over multiple years through hosting events, developing caver owner relationships benefitting the Region, enrollment in Region Projects, fostering the development of new cavers, significant Region Cave Conservation Projects, Conservation, or Education related to the Region. This should be done in a volunteer, not payed mode.

Please submit your suggestion for the VAR Outstanding Service Award. When you nominate someone, please put in a decent paragraph or two as to why that person deserves recognition. Generally the nominees should be cavers in the Region who have contributed to the Region over the years through cave exploration, survey, administration, whatever.

There are many worthwhile cavers in the Region, folks who give tirelessly and without expectation of personal gain. We cannot, unfortunately, recognize them all. But we can sure try! We do have a maximum of three awards to be given out each year. We do not have to give out any if none of you write to me to let me know who should be considered. Include your e-mail address along with your suggestion and supporting write-up. Send nominations to J. C. Fisher (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or use our on-line nomination form. The deadline for future VAR Award Nominations will be two months before the next Fall VAR.

The recipients to date:

YEAR

RECIPIENT

< 1999

(Prior to 2001, these awards were given out sporadically, if at all, and our records are incomplete. If you know who received this award prior to 1999, please contact J. C. Fisher (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).)

1999

Bob Hoke

2001

Evelyn Bradshaw, Bob Handley, Jim Hixson

2002

Miles Drake, Fred Grady, and Phil Lucas

2003

Don Anderson and Andy Reeder

2004

Craig Hindman, Carol Tiderman, John Holsinger, George Dasher, and Chuck Hempel

2005

Jim McConkey, John Fox, and Bob Bennett

2006

Dave Socky, Mary Sue Socky, and Karen Kastning

2007

Judy and J.C. Fisher, Alex Sproul, and Janet Tinkham

2008

Bill Biggers, Annie Whittemore, and Whitt Whittemore

2009

Bill Royster, John Pearson, Bob Thren

2010

Ellie Florance, Charlie Maus

2011

Rick Lambert, Marian McConnell

2012

Eric Berge, Meredith Hall Weberg

2015

Walt Pirie

2017

Earl and Cheryl Suitor

2018

Carl Amundson, Jerry Bowen, Tommy Carpenter

2019

Tom Griffin, Gretchen "Red" Schock, Charles Kahn