EJ King senior earns President’s Volunteer Service Award
Sasebo, Japan – In August, Captain Michael Fontaine, Commander of Fleet Activities Sasebo, presented EJ King Middle High School senior Luke Danjanic with the President's Volunteer Service Award (Silver Level) in recognition of his completion of 178 hours of volunteer service on the installation.
"One of the goals of the U.S. Navy in Japan is to be good citizens in our host communities,” Captain Fontaine said. “Since arriving in Sasebo two years ago I have seen Luke’s involvement in many areas, not just through school organizations, but with the Red Cross, and with Japanese organizations, schools, and special care facilities. A true model for partnership between American and Japanese neighbors in Sasebo, Luke gives 100% effort to strengthen the bond that unites us."
His volunteer activities included supporting the American Red Cross at community resource fairs, open-base events such as the “Lost Child” booth, blood drives, and assisting with projects aboard ships, in the local office, and across both local and national IT initiatives.
This award further demonstrates Luke’s dedication as an American Red Cross volunteer, as reflected in his receipt of the 2024 American Red Cross Asia Pacific Young Adult Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2025 American Red Cross Asia Pacific First Quarter Volunteer Award.
In August, Luke earned certification as a First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor through the American Red Cross and successfully co-taught his first class. He is also certified to instruct Hands-Only CPR, International Humanitarian Law, Be Red Cross Ready, Prepare with Pedro (Emergency Preparedness), and the Pillowcase Project (Emergency Preparedness).
Beyond his contributions to the CFAS base community, Luke devoted numerous hours to volunteer work within the Japanese community, including activities at local schools and participation in the Sasebo City Board of Education Expo. Although international volunteer hours do not count toward the award, Luke—an Eagle Scout—remains deeply committed to serving the local community.
