How do you volunteer in your community?

2013-12-17T09:33:11-05:00

What are some ways you give your time and put into the community? I'm not looking for ideas. I just would like to see the varying ways Service Members give a little more than is asked to help the community.

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Nov 4 at 2013 8:44 PM

2013-11-04T20:44:43-05:00

One of the last things I did before I retired was talk one of my E-3s into volunteering to march in a local, annual Veterans Day parade. Not only did the local veterans and community leaders appreciate it, but he has continued to volunteer. It doesn't just help the community, it makes a person a better service member.

Volunteering as groups helps build teamwork too.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 9:36 AM

2013-12-17T09:36:50-05:00

I recently joined the Patriot Guard Riders in the DC area. This is a great group of people who's sole purpose is to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us all. I am by far the youngest of the group. Most are retirees of one branch or another but some are not even prior service. They just support us all the way. We have done several rides to Arlington, which is a sobering experience in itself. I wasn't sure how I would juggle it, since a lot of their missions are during the duty day. My CO and 1SG have been most supportive and enable me to attend quite a few runs. Best community service I have ever done, hands down.

Response by CPT Laurie H. made Dec 17 at 2013 10:27 AM

2013-12-17T10:27:14-05:00

I help organize Tough Ruck which is in part a fundraising program for the Military Friends Foundation. MFF provides support to the families of Massachusetts National Guard and Reserve Soldiers who have lost their lives. Of particilar importance to me is the about of support they provide to families of suicide victims.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 17 at 2013 10:40 AM

2013-12-17T10:40:15-05:00

I work with ACS, FRG's, Spouse Groups, JROTC's, and Youth Camps a lot. It's fun to get involved in the local commuity, and it broadens your skill sets, experiences, and social network.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 1:20 PM

2013-12-17T13:20:36-05:00

Very easy. You can volunteer with the VA, find a 501c(3) (non-profit) that works with veterans or you can just say to the Volunteer Agency near you. You can tutor kids, English as a Second Language (ESL), Boy Scouts, Big Brothers and the Shriner's Hospitals. Just to start.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Dec 17 at 2013 1:49 PM

2013-12-17T13:49:25-05:00

I coach youth Wrestling and Baseball.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 3:23 PM

2013-12-17T15:23:36-05:00

I volunteer at the Virginia War Memorial, and anytime I run outside I turn my GPS on my phone on and use the app Charity Miles. They app lets you choose from a few charity organizations (I pick wounded warriors) and they donate money per mile you run/walk/bike.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Dec 18 at 2013 5:07 PM

2013-12-18T17:07:13-05:00

Right now I am volunteering my time to help revamp our 34th ID association website from the 1990's to present.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 25 at 2013 12:09 AM

2013-12-25T00:09:52-05:00

Always did, it not only builds the character and pride within the Soldier, it also builds that respect, trust and unity with the community and the installation as well.

I also enjoyed participating myself within the community activities, so I made a point of encouraging especially my new Soldiers to do it, it helped them get better acclimated as well for the area they would spend the next few years living and working in.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2014 10:42 AM

2014-02-02T10:42:44-05:00

I am running 565 miles in 28 days as part of a 7 person team to raise awareness for Soldiers transitioning to the civilian world and dealing with suicidal ideation. The fundraiser benefits http://www.gallantfew.org. This is a great organization to help you create a network once you exit the military. The event is called Run Ranger Run and more information can be found at: http://www.runrangerrun.com. You can create your own team or donate to one of the other 100 or so teams.<div><br></div><div>My team's link is: http://www.crowdrise.com/Patrick-RunRangerRun2-patrickk/fundraiser/patrickkelley1</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.crowdrise.com/media/large/everyonecolor-52ae2c829d021.JPG"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.crowdrise.com/Patrick-RunRangerRun2-patrickk/fundraiser/patrickkelley1">Kelley's Heroes | Patrick Kelley's Fundraiser on CrowdRise</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Run Ranger Run A team of up to ten individuals will pledge to walk, run and/or ride bicycles a combined total of 565 miles in the month of February (usually 28 days). They will raise funds for Galla...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.runrangerrun.com.">runrangerrun</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description"></div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.gallantfew.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/GF_RSN_RGB220X122.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.gallantfew.org.">GallantFew.org | Revolutionary Veteran Support Network</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Red Star Cluster! If you are a veteran needing help right away,
Email or Call our Executive Director, Army veteran Karl Monger on Google+ or at [login to see] . NEW! Alternate contact Clarence Matthew...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2014 4:23 PM

2014-02-02T16:23:50-05:00

SSG (P) Spaeth,

I volunteer for a few things mostly stuff my children participate in. Examples they were in a play on base I helped with the set, helped with the girl scouts, set up a haunted house, and did face painting for our Garrison 4th July celebration.

v/r

1SG Haro

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2014 4:32 PM

2014-02-02T16:32:47-05:00

I spend a lot of time volunteering with the BOSS Program, our company FRG, or one of the elementary schools. I try to get the Soldiers in my company involved as much as possible, but they are harder to convince

Response by PO1 Rudy Lopez made Feb 2 at 2014 4:58 PM

2014-02-02T16:58:42-05:00

In my earlier days in the military I used to volunteer at least 8 hours a weekend to the local animal shelters, an hour or so every other week and all major holidays to homeless shelters. When I became an enlisted independent healthcare provider and part of the special operations medical community my time became constrained. However, understanding my capabilities (Scope of Practice), I decided to volunteer in the Naval Hospital Emergency Department, with permission from the department head, as a health care provider in order to reduce wait times and "lighten the loads" of the Doctors, Nurses, and Physician Assistants. In this capacity I was able to help both the military and civilian (dependents) community.

Now out of the military I am looking into the Guardian Ad Litem program. It is a court appointed child advocate and work with social workers in the health and well being of children. The vetting process is long and you must endure a few weeks of classes in order to be considered.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 12:57 AM

2014-02-03T00:57:29-05:00

When I organized the Crohns and Colitis Bowl-a-thon I started with people I knew and give them credit for helping. We had 22 race car haulers and we had 22 Tampa Bay Bucs football players. Once the ball got rolling the rest was easy. It is also helped that I was doing weather with Q-105 and Alan Archer but the respect I earned from weather forecasting made it easier.

When Reginald Roundtree asked me how I did it. I said I encourage people. I recognized the athletes were not compensated and the racing community was especially close to the bowlers and participants. I believe encouragement and recognition to a good cause will produce miracles. I firmly like to help bring the good out in people.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 9:08 AM

2014-02-03T09:08:08-05:00

I like volunteering at animal shelters, especially if I am new in the community. Many charity organizations are conservative when it comes to new volunteers; they want to get to know you first. But animal shelters are always looking for people to help walk/ feed/bath/play/clean up after the animals. It is a great way to give back and start volunteering in a new area.

Response by SrA Matthew Sweda made Feb 3 at 2014 11:16 PM

2014-02-03T23:16:17-05:00

I started out with the local volunteer fire department right out of high school. Once I got out of the service I continued with the fire department and then took the WI First Responder Course and I have continued with it ever since. Living in a rural area ambulance service is at least 20 to sometimes 30 min away. Recently I took over as fire chief for our rural department.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Feb 4 at 2014 7:39 AM

2014-02-04T07:39:51-05:00

Besides being Senior Vice Commander in my VFW Post, I am active with the High School Sports Boosters, on the City's Tourism Committee, active with the Chamber of Commerce, President of a local organization named Vandalia Field of Dreams (https://www.facebook.com/Vandalia.Field.of.Dreams), and I chair another organization called Vandal Health & Fitness Complex Committee.....

Vandalia Field of Dreams

Vandalia Field of Dreams is an organization designed to provide baseball and softball outlet for...

Response by SSgt Jason Goodman made Feb 4 at 2014 7:55 AM

2014-02-04T07:55:34-05:00

I am the President of the Collegiate Veterans Society, http://www.collegiateveterans.us, at Eastern Florida State College. In this position I authored our scholarship program providing scholarships to student veterans and dependents. We volunteer at the multiple Homeless Veteran Stand Downs in our county, organize fundraisers for local organizations like the volunteer fire department, and work to increase awareness of veteran issues. We also had a hand developing the Veteran Resource Center on our campus offering a one stop shop for our vets to take care of all of their needs including PTSD couseling (off the books), service officers on site a couple times per month to help with any benefit paperwork, computers for homework or personal use, a library of donated school books that can be used for free, a veteran specific new student orientation, and a place where vets can go to just get away from the rest of the world and be around other vets.

Collegiate Veterans Society

Helping Heroes

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Feb 4 at 2014 8:04 AM

2014-02-04T08:04:07-05:00

In addition to working for Project Sanctuary, I also volunteer with them. We provide six-day, outdoor, therapeutic retreats for the entire military family - free of charge. Military families face a lot of stress and struggles, and it's a great way to give back.

http://www.projectsanctuary.us

Home - Project Sanctuary

At Project Sanctuary, we believe the whole family serves, and the best way to “support the troops” is by supporting the family. We provide therapeutic retreats, enabling military families to reconnect...

Response by TSgt Bob Dalpe made Feb 4 at 2014 8:22 AM

2014-02-04T08:22:07-05:00

Short list: one of the executive committee members of my employers vets group with 1700 members. A Founding Board member of a Vets Advocacy NP HQ in Arizona called Operation American Patriot http://www.operationamericanpatriot.org/ . A senior leader in the Navy youth Sea Cadet program http://www.seacadets.org/public/, part of the committee who help with a WW2 Memorial dedication this past Dec 7 http://www.gunstosalutethefallen.com/ and was part of the local Pearl Harbor Committee, speech judge for HS Academic Decathlon, member of the AZ state level vet coalition. Trying to organize a state level military history working group.

Home Page

Check out http://gunstosalutethefallen.com! Home Page

U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps - for Americans ages 11-17

Naval youth education program for Americans ages 11-17 years old. Learn new skills and gain confidence while having fun aboard Navy and Coast Guard ships and air stations!

Home | Operation American Patriot | We support veterans and their families

The mission of Operation American Patriot is to help our military, Veterans and their family members with compassion and dignity through fortifying existing services.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Feb 4 at 2014 8:57 AM

2014-02-04T08:57:22-05:00

I have coached basketball and baseball for local youth or church recreation leagues for more than 20 years. It's an opportunity to reach kids who forming and developing their personalities and by serving as a role model and mentor truly impact the future.

Response by PFC Donald Jacobson made Feb 4 at 2014 8:41 PM

2014-02-04T20:41:55-05:00

I am the Chapter Service Officer for Dav Chapter 22 helping veterans on medical and educational claims. I am also the Founder of the East Valley Veterans DRA club that works with veterans with PTSD, TBI, MST, and legal and non-legal substance abuse. I work with the Native American Veterans community here in Arizona. I am also apart of the Burial Detail for the American Legion Post 1 unit to make sure that all veterans reciever what is due to them.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 4 at 2014 10:28 PM

2014-02-04T22:28:23-05:00

For eight years I ran a sailing program for youth incarcerated at a juvenile detention facility. I incorporated history, math, and science into lessons about piloting, seamanship, and small boat handling. We entered our team in competitions with Sea Scouts on the West Coast where they performed extremely well earning respect as well as self-respect. Unfortunately, health problems prevented me from continuing and I couldn't find anyone to continue the program in my absence.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 10:45 PM

2014-02-04T22:45:41-05:00

SSG Spaeth,

I earned my MOVSM here in Korea volunteering. I didnt just volunteer for one thing the whole time but for the USO, CAC center, BOSS, FRG, company Soldier Volunteer. Towards the end of my Tour here I started volunteering for the Good Neighbor Program which helps little kids learn english. I felt it was more rewarding to volunteer for a bunch of everything. You meet all kinds of good people and it also keeps you out of trouble here.

Make sure you add your volunteer hours with myarmyonesource.com to track your hours. It will help you support your MOVSM if you are put in for one.

Response by SSG Terry Back (Martin-Back) made Feb 5 at 2014 5:41 AM

2014-02-05T05:41:53-05:00

I was appointed and held a position for six years to the Alachua County Veterans Advisory Board and currently hold a position to the County Codes Enforcement Board. Serve your country, serve your community, just remember to serve your family.

Response by PO2 Dale McMillan made Feb 5 at 2014 5:05 PM

2014-02-05T17:05:38-05:00

I spent about 5 years in the Texas State Guard and obtained
the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. Working and training with the Community
Emergency Response Team organizations to better serve Texas. I have completed
FEMA courses, Combat Life saver training, GPS training, CPR/Basic first aid,
Wide Area Damage assessment, and Search and Rescue training. I retired from the
federal service serving my country and volunteered to serve in the Texas
Military Forces to serve my fellow Texans and enjoyed doing it.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Mar 6 at 2014 11:08 AM

2014-03-06T11:08:51-05:00

I am a Tae Kwon Do Instructor at the YMCA here, Love teaching the kids!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 11:25 AM

2014-03-06T11:25:42-05:00

I started volunteering for a class assignment, and it really inspired me to continue giving back to my community. I volunteer at different agencies such as youth programs, shelters, and non-profits a couple times a month. Hands on Nashville (HON.org), a volunteer coordination site, allows me to find opportunities in my area.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 5:52 PM

2014-03-07T17:52:41-05:00

I am a volunteer in my sons cub scout pack

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 7:30 PM

2014-03-07T19:30:30-05:00

I coach for the CYS here at Fort Lee, and spend time helping out at the Reach Out Center in Petersburg, VA.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 7 at 2014 11:43 PM

2014-03-07T23:43:42-05:00

SFC CH, I volunteer at the local animal shelter. The civilians like my work ethic and my drive to make improvementS to their organization. I truly do this from the bottom of my heart and of course it helps for a bullet on my NCOER.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2014 1:52 AM

2014-03-08T01:52:09-05:00

Before my most recent deployment to Afghanistan. Before christmas, some fellow soldiers and I went to the local Operation Santa Claus. Seemed like a good way to help kids have some Christmas presents. So we would volunteer 2 hours a night for 2 weeks straight, fixing the old bikes so they were fully functioning. Gotta help the less fortunate kids.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 7:36 PM

2014-04-28T19:36:46-04:00

I play golf to relax, although not a lot of relaxing, but I volunteer with CYSS helping coach tee ball and baseball. I also volunteer through KAPA with troops for trash and the pyongtaek university volunteer program.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 28 at 2014 7:55 PM

2014-04-28T19:55:03-04:00

Ring Bell for Salvation Army around Christmas Time and Handing Out Buddy Poppies for VFW on Memorial Weekend and Veterans Day.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 12:11 AM

2014-04-29T00:11:32-04:00

Youth challenge academy! It allows young people to obtain GEDs and most enlist in the military though it's not required.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 5 at 2014 6:42 PM

2014-05-05T18:42:40-04:00

My wife was the Financial Reediness Program Manager in Okinawa. As part of her duties she was responsible for the Angel Tree program each year. She managed to tie this in with the Marine's Toys for Tots program. We would assist them in manning and hopefully filling the boxes. They in turn would make a pretty impressive donation to Angel Tree. I ended up running the program on the Army side. While it made for a pretty crazy holiday season, it was probably the best volunteer experience I've had the privilege to be involved in.

These days I assist the Fort Sill Museum with visitor services. I also somehow got conned into becoming part of the Historic 1841 Gun Detachment. I also go out and hike all over the wild life preserve with a trash bag and clean up the trails and picnic grounds. I get to be outdoors hiking in a beautiful place while cleaning up after all the pigs. Oops, I mean while I make an effort to provide a cleaner environment for the animals.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 5 at 2014 6:46 PM

2014-05-05T18:46:14-04:00

I will not readdress the things I do at the moment as that has been covered already. However, my volunteer goal when I retire is to help out the Patriot Guard Riders. They have assisted with a couple of funerals we attended and it made quite the impression on me.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jun 26 at 2014 9:55 AM

2014-06-26T09:55:44-04:00

I volunteer for assisting the elderly in the local communities to which I have belonged and while deployed did so at the USO each time also. For the last 20 years I have done paintings in worldwide hospitals, schools and clinics through this fabulous organization, the foundation for Hospital Art. Additionally I did art work for the wounded warriors project for a fundraiser at Kandahar.

Foundation For Hospital Art Home page

Patients, families, medical staffs, volunteers paint pre-drawn, color-coded canvases & ceiling-tiles for gifts to hospitals.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 26 at 2014 11:23 AM

2014-06-26T11:23:53-04:00

When my children completed their Scouting experiences, I continued by forming a Sea Scout Ship for youth incarcerated at a juvenile detention facility. The local Scout office wasn't too happy: Scouts are "good" kids. Well, why not use Scouting to help kids become good?

Unfortunately, I could only continue the program for about 8 years until an inner ear problem seriously affected my balance. No, it isn't the best idea to be sailing a boat full of other people's children when you could loose you balance at any moment. Even more unfortunate, there was anyone willing to step up and continue the program.

I believe there is a special place in heaven for volunteers and it seems there are far too few willing to fill it.

Response by TSgt Bob Dalpe made Jun 26 at 2014 1:32 PM

2014-06-26T13:32:58-04:00

It was easier to share my bio----He is a member of founding board of directors and committee chair for youth activity, military affairs advisor and social media and Unified Arizona Veterans rep for Operation American Patriot, an Arizona Based Veterans/Military Advocacy non-profit. He is the associate regional director for AZ/NM for the US Naval Sea Cadet Corp program for youth 10-18. Bob is the PA/Marketing team lead for the WeSalute Veterans Days weekend event. Bob is a member of the Navy League, VFW, AL, Phoenix Veterans Day Parade Committee, founding member of the Arizona Military History Group and an Academic Decathlon volunteer. Bob was a member of the Pearl Harbor Remembrance committee which assisted in dedicating the WW2 Memorial in Phoenix on Dec 7th 2013.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2014 2:32 PM

2014-06-26T14:32:42-04:00

I haven't had the time to do any type of volunteering lately, but I used to help out in Colorado with the Sea Cadets, and back when I was an instructor at Quantico I helped with my buddies Non-Profit up at Bethesda.

http://www.veteransofvalor.org/

404 Page Not Found

We cannot locate the page you're looking for. Please check the address and make sure all letters are lowercased with no spaces.

Response by MAJ Michael Kammerer made Jun 29 at 2014 12:05 AM

2014-06-29T00:05:35-04:00

Volunteer with Cub Scouts in the local community and help out on Post with Wrestling when I can in between missions and hours in the office . . .

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2014 2:32 PM

2014-07-11T14:32:33-04:00

Our family donates food and clothes to the homeless; we volunteer at nursing homes; and we donated our time with our church's part in VIP (http://www.valleyinterfaithpromise.com/plaintext/home/home.aspx), a homeless housing organization. I used to spend some time as a tutor at a local school that was partnered with my unit in Fort Benning.

Valley Interfaith Promise Inc.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2014 10:07 AM

2014-07-20T10:07:15-04:00

My wife and I are wish granters for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 4:10 PM

2014-10-10T16:10:47-04:00

i always coach at the rec centers and give back to the kids. I know this may sound raciest but its not i think some aferican american kids need to see a figure like them doing positive along with every other child of any color.so they know that all can make a difference and all can help others so this america can get rid of race and look at each others only as americans. Isay this because i had a small white kid ask me how did i get out the HOOD and it shocked me hearing that i know kids say crazy things but that kinda struck me in a strange way and also a mexican or spanish child and black asked me why are two other kids who were white and indian strange....all OF THEM QUESTIONS SHOCKED ME TO WONDER WHAT ARE THESE KIDS LEARNING FROM THERE PARENTS....but i feel they need someone to show them that everyones the same.(i know i kinda went to left field with all this but its why i do my volunteering)

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Oct 18 at 2016 3:15 PM

2016-10-18T15:15:39-04:00

I play bingo with a few resident veterans eccentric veterans lol. I help make the venue larger. If I have time I would tell them about how my story matches there's.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Oct 18 at 2016 3:16 PM

2016-10-18T15:16:38-04:00

Churches will often give a free meal out on Saturdays :)

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Oct 1 at 2018 6:31 AM

2018-10-01T06:31:14-04:00

Find the type of community activity you like and contact them real easy