Bertlings named AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year
Sam and K.C. Bertling of Madison have been named AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year (Association of the United States Army).
The AUSA award recognizes an Army family whose exceptional, dedicated volunteer service significantly contributes to improving Army and community well being. Along with awardees from other chapters, the Bertlings now will be considered for the national award.
The Bertlings are federal employees and work for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command / Army Forces Strategic Command. Sam works as a program analyst, and K.C. serves as soldiers and family program manager. Sam Bertling Jr. formerly served as a nuclear engineer with the U.S. Navy.
K.C. is president and founder of the Legacy 4 Korean War Veterans Foundation (L4KWVF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation. Sam volunteers as the foundation’s financial advisor.
Among its activities, the foundation is sponsoring “Revisit Korea,” a weeklong, expense-paid visit to South Korea for nine veterans of the Korean War. The veterans will leave Huntsville International Airport on Nov. 8 to return to Korea for the first time since the armistice signing in 1953.
Sam is originally from Winder, Ga. “When Sam came to South Korea in the U.S. Army, we met and got married,” K.C. said.
The Bertlings relocated to Madison in May 2005 with Sam’s new position with the U.S. Army. They live in the Franklin Station neighborhood.
Sam and K.C. both volunteer with other veterans organizations, Survival Outreach Services and Tragedy Assistance Program and Redstone Community Women’s Club. Sam serves as chairman of the board at Master’s Way United Methodist Church.
“We do claim Master’s Way UMC as our home church, but our hearts are attached to Grace Baptist Church in Hinesville, Ga. outside Fort Stewart, Ga.,” K.C. said. The Bertlings helped to build that church.
Most of their volunteer time involves the Legacy 4 Korean War Veterans Foundation. “Our current duties are very hectic due to a fundraising campaign for the upcoming Revisit Korea project for Korean War veterans,” K.C. said.
Two more trips with Revisit Korea are planned for spring and summer 2013.
