Bringing an attitude of an appreciation for compassion full circle has resulted in a Joint Base Lewis-McChord family receiving national recognition.

Earlier this month, Blagoy and Stacie Pogoncheff were notified that they and their children - Kelbie, Kailie and Andon - are to be recognized by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) as its Family of the Year.

"We are completely overwhelmed and humbled by this award," Stacie Pogoncheff said during a telephone interview.

"We never expected national recognition; we just do what we can do to help those around us."

The Pogoncheffs will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. in October for the AUSA's annual meeting, a cash prize, and a gift basket courtesy of TriWest, AUSA and Geico.

The AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional Army family whose volunteer service significantly contributes to improving the well-being of Army families and the local community.

The Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the AUSA, through the efforts of Robbie Ferrell and others, nominated the Pogoncheff family.

Sgt. Blagoy Pogoncheff serves with HHC 508th Military Police Battalion; Stacie Pogoncheff serves as a volunteer at JBLM's Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).

Both are a formidable team of volunteerism in representing this Army value.

At one event to raise funds for the 508th's Family Readiness Group, or FRG, the Pogoncheffs organized an event that involved snow cones and push-ups.

While she and her children prepared and sold snow cones, Sgt. Pogoncheff recruited potential customers with a "Buy a snow cone, drop an MP" campaign.

Whenever someone bought a snow cone, Pogoncheff and his fellow MPs dropped for pushups or sit-ups.  The efforts of the entire family raised $1,500 for the FRG.

Their volunteerism has extended into their children's school, the Cub Scouts, and the Special Olympics, to name a few.

Closer to home, the Pogoncheff family's spirit of helping others centers on their special needs child, Andon.

"He's the reason my husband joined the Army," Pogoncheff continued.  "And our son is the reason why we do a lot of what we do."

She also heaped praise on the EFMP's programs for special needs children, and her accomplishments as an EFMP volunteer speak volumes.

"Keeping to a Super Heroes theme, she planned activities from face painting to an obstacle course, and recruited her family to assist," reads part of the 800-word nomination.

The nomination goes on to cite numerous events the Pogoncheff family has worked to plan, organize and accomplish.

"We are bringing the attitude of compassion," Pogoncheff said at the end of the interview before she went back to work.

"We like to give to those who need it; we once did.  Everything has come full circle, and this means a great deal to us."

The circle of volunteerism based on compassion has come full circle.

Congratulations to the Pogoncheff family as the AUSA Family of the Year.