During the Symphony at Sunset event in June, the Eisenhower Foundation presented awards to two soldiers serving the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley.

Sergeant Swaraj "Sam" Manandhar was the recipient of the General Eisenhower Leadership Award, which recognizes a soldier who has performed above and beyond in their military duties.

SGT Manandhar volunteered with USO Kansas even though he knew he was deploying in less than two months.
Within that short time frame, he made a significant impact, giving USO Kansas 232 hours of his spare time. Manandhar would do any task that needed to be done. You could find him at the front desk welcoming soldiers and dependents into the USO, serving lunches, and making crafts that would be given to families. His service was thoughtful and soft-spoken. He took the time to learn guests’ names, hometowns, along with their favorite drink, snacks, and how they take their coffee. He is a model example of someone who supported the USO’s mission to strengthen America’s service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country.

First Sergeant Hannah Nunley was the recipient of the President Eisenhower Leadership Award, which honors a soldier who has done outstanding work in the local community as a volunteer or in another capacity.

1SG Nunley is a highly-motivated and engaged volunteer within the 97th Military Police Battalion. As volunteer coordinator for the Battalion, she managed large-scale volunteer projects as opportunities for fellow soldiers to give back to the Fort Riley and Junction City community. Her efforts resulted in the recruitment of over 40 active-duty soldiers participating in 14 volunteer projects last year. Nunley not only coordinates the volunteer events, she also volunteers at each one. Her
community contribution continues in her work with the Rapid Response Team dedicated to relocating families who are victims of domestic violence. At a moment’s notice, she is able to coordinate a team of volunteers to help move a family to safety. She is a shining example of what volunteers are capable of doing and sets the standard for community service.