Spc. Cassandra Rousayne, a medical laboratory technician at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, received the 2014 American Legion Spirit of Service Award for the Army at the 96th National Convention of The American Legion in Charlotte, North Carolina Aug. 24-27. A member of each service receives the award for his volunteerism to the community during and after duty hours.

Rousayne has been an active volunteer with a variety of programs on the APG installation as well as within her local community.

"Volunteering is a way of life for me, not something I choose to do consciously," Rousayne said. "I believe in giving back and supporting others because I know how much the smallest acts can make a difference to someone."

On the installation, she has served as the local Armed Services Blood Program event co-coordinator, organizing three donation events. Additionally, she was the USAMRICD coordinator for the annual Edgewood Area Winter Apparel Drive, which collects winter coats, hats and gloves for the Sharing Table charity. Also, Rousayne voluntarily organized the USAMRICD's Combined Federal Campaign and served as the coordinator for the 2013 area-wide campaign kickoff event.

Within her community, Rousayne volunteers at her church by ushering, manning the nursery and supporting church-sponsored events. Additionally, she has served as a coach, an assistant coach and a team manager for the T-ball teams, baseball teams and the soccer teams on which her daughters play.

Committed to instilling in her daughters the same sense of volunteer service she has, Rousayne and her family have performed in church-sponsored Easter and Christmas plays for the residents of Harford Senior House; gathered toys and gifts for packages during the Christmas holidays for children in need overseas and in a local hospital; and planned and executed the delivery of baked goods to local first responders who worked over the Christmas holiday.

Additionally, on Aug. 21 Rousayne's volunteer efforts earned her recognition as Team APG Military Volunteer of the Year, and this past spring Rousayne, her husband and her daughters were recognized as the 2014 APG Military Family of the Year.