The Hinesville Rotary Club on Tuesday honored Joel Galarza as the soldier of the week.
Galarza joined the U.S. Army in October 2009 and completed his basic training at Fort Benning. He later completed advanced individual training in dental assistance. Galarza has been serving for two years as a dental hygienist and currently is pursuing a dentistry degree.
The soldier has earned various honors and awards, including the Army Achievement Medal, NCO Professional Development Medal, soldier of the month, soldier of the quarter and recently was named soldier of the year for Fort Stewart Dentac.
Galarza also is involved in volunteer work. Several times a year, he visits Fort Stewart and Liberty County schools to talk to children about the importance of dental hygiene. He recently hosted a conference at the Gateway Behavioral Health Clinic to provide patients with a better understanding of nutrition and dental hygiene. He volunteers at the Fort Stewart Library, helping to organize books. Galarza said volunteering has added a wonderful dimension to his life.
The soldier also enjoys meeting and socializing with friends, physical fitness and spending time with his family.