RALEIGH — Eric Ray Locklear of Pembroke and Lee Hester of Lumberton were recently awarded the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service.

Locklear, who was nominated by Nora Dial-Stanley, has volunteered for the Lumbee tribe for four years, helping at-risk individuals and families identify, apply for and receive assistance through support services. He has also helped tribal members to receive housing, rehabilitate homes and secure financial assistance during a crisis.

“It is my hope that my receiving this award will inspire other American Indians and particularly Lumbees to strive for this honor,” Locklear said. “Each of us has the ability to improve and change the quality of life of the world around us. With each sunrise, we are given the opportunity to do so.”

Locklear has also volunteered for four years with the Public Schools of Robeson County, and is an advocate for N.C. State University.

Hester has volunteered for two years with Lumberton Rescue and EMS Inc. He supervises the volunteer Search and Rescue Team, responds to calls, inventories equipment, and researches purchasing new equipment. His wife and son are also volunteer members.

“Volunteering makes you feel good,” Hester said. “It helps the community. It gives you an opportunity to invest in the community in some form other than monetary.”

Beth Ivey, the Robeson County coordinator for the Governor’s Award, appreciates the work of the Locklear and Hester.

“I value each and every one of them for the time they put in, their dedication to helping others, their talents and genuine compassion and caring for the people in our hospital and our community.”