• Beach walkway to white sandy beach and bluegreen waters

    Gulf Islands

    National Seashore FL,MS

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Volunteer of the Year Award

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Date: April 4, 2012
Contact: Nina Kelson, 850-934-2604

Deputy Regional Director Shawn Benge presents Jack Madison with the 2011 Southeast Regional Volunteer- In- Parks Award

Jack Madison Recognized as the Southeast Regional

National Park Service Volunteer of the Year

 

Biloxi, Mississippi native, Jack Madison, was recognized on March 28th as the recipient for 2011 Southeast Region National Park Service Volunteer-In-Parks Award for his 25 years of outstanding service. Mr. Madison, a former Bell Telephone supervisor, began volunteering in 1986 in the Mississippi District of Gulf Islands National Seashore.He continues to board the Ship Island Ferry out of Gulfport to greet visitors and give tours of historic Fort Massachusetts located on West Ship Island.During his volunteer service he was recruited as a National Park Ranger for several summer seasons but decided he enjoyed more time off during the hot weather. Jack is married to Marilee Madison, a former Biloxi High School history teacher.She was employed by Eastern National to oversee the park's bookstore but later volunteered at Gulf Islands as well.Both Jack and Marilee enjoy traveling to National Parks, attending Elder Hostel programs, and visiting with their three daughters and grandchildren.

 

Did You Know?

The arches at Fort Massachusetts are made of red and tan bricks.

Gulf Islands National Seashore's Fort Massachusetts, on West Ship Island 12 miles off the Mississippi coastline, was covered by the 30-foot storm surge from Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005.  The fort has been reopened to the public.