MLP I graduate, Elaine Austin-Palmer was recently honored in front of over 800 attendees at United Way's Volunteer of the Year awards banquet. Elaine was selected as the Volunteer of the Year in the "community individual" category. For 30 years, Elaine has faithfully volunteered at the San Antonio Salvation Army. Her passion for the work and compassion for the people is legend. When Austin-Palmer was six, her father died leaving her mother to fend for the family. The first Christmas was difficult. But a knock on the door on Christmas Eve brought not only gifts to the hurting family, but a long-time love for The 
Salvation Army. Over the years, Austin-Palmer has given of her time, talents, resources and heart. She shares her public relations expertise; recruits board members, volunteers for and leads Bible Study groups; and attends every special event of the Army. She has overseen the care of several aging individuals, who tell of her faithfulness in their relationships. She also finds time to volunteer for the San Antonio Park Foundation, United Way and the Masters Leadership Program. Her devotion to the community is obvious and her genuine love The Salvation Army shines on in every task she takes on. She wouldn't have it any other way -- and neither would the Army.
