National Volunteer Appreciation Week: Are You a Volunteer?

2015-04-17T13:12:21-04:00

Yes, we all serve(d) in an all-volunteer military and, for that, your service is very much appreciated (by most of the country, at least)! However, you are compensated for your time in uniform, so it’s more like a quasi-volunteer. You “volunteered” to protect and defend the Constitution, you “volunteered” to be deployed to remote locations, you “volunteered” to give your life - and some of you did just that. Thank you to all of our past and current military “volunteers!”

For brevity, we won’t get into “volun-told.” Someone else can handle that Command Post article!

The volunteering I want to talk about is the description most of us think of when considering that word - freely offering to do something. Guess what? Volunteering is very abundant in the United States! One in four Americans volunteer in some capacity through organizations. Whether it’s serving meals at a mobile kitchen for the homeless, helping at a local animal shelter, or judging the local spelling bee, there are a variety of ways for people to serve our communities.

In case you weren’t aware (and I’m guessing that most of you weren’t aware!), April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month. As a leader in a national nonprofit organization, I fully recognize that volunteers are essential to the work of my organization and hundreds of thousands of other organizations that seek to serve our communities.

Just in the military and veteran space, there are over 40,000 nonprofits with the term “military” or “veteran” somewhere in their mission or vision statement. That’s a lot of organizations that need volunteers! You can look at the picture on this post from volunteeringamerica.gov to see the different types of organizations that our volunteers serve at.

So how actively does our military/veteran population serve as volunteers? Veterans serve at about a 1% higher rate than the rest of the population. More veterans serve in Utah than any state in the Union. Conversely, fewer veterans serve in Louisiana, but that’s consistent with Louisiana’s overall volunteer rate.

All of this leads to a question for our RallyPoint community: where do you volunteer? More importantly, why do you volunteer there? More often than not, we serve for an organization that has impacted us in some capacity. Some of you serve at your nearby Fisher House Foundation because they were there for you when you - or a family member - were injured. Some of you volunteer at veteran hiring fairs to help your comrades get the jobs they need and translate their résumés into civilian language. Some of you feel like you’ve given enough to the military and shy away from any volunteer activities associated with those in uniform, and choose other paths instead.

Regardless of where you serve - thank you for serving! Selfless service is not only an admirable trait while in uniform; it’s appreciated when you take off your uniform as well.

Post your comments below…it would be great to hear how our military population serves their country AND their community!

Finally, if you want an excellent resource, check out Volunteering and Civic Life in America: http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 1:32 PM

2015-04-17T13:32:52-04:00

I have been a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT for 9 Years now. Working anywhere from 36-140 hours a month in a volunteer capacity. I also volunteer to teach CPR in Schools about once or twice a month. To me volunteering to serve was an Honor, Volunteering to keep my community safe is just as big of an honor as being able to put on this uniform. In the past I have also volunteered my time at Veterans Stand Down's in my area. Always looking for more places to volunteer at.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Apr 17 at 2015 2:37 PM

2015-04-17T14:37:24-04:00

Me and some very good friends went to york town TX and smoked 6 briskets warrior
for wounded warriors retreat . And we cook at certain events that are non-profit

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Apr 17 at 2015 2:37 PM

2015-04-17T14:37:48-04:00

I'm one of those crazy people who actually raised my hand in uniform when leadership was looking for a volunteer. Because of it, I had the opportunity to do a lot of things I wouldn't have normally had the chance to do. Unfortunately, I have a bad habit of taking on too much and burning the candle at both ends. I have a hard time saying no when someone asks for my help, and sometimes get overwhelmed by everything I have going on.

Now that I'm retired (although my husband would really like me to find a job) I've enjoyed the opportunity to do some extra volunteering. Currently, as I stated in another post, I am the Volunteer Coordinator for a non-profit organization called Warriors on the Water. We put on an annual bass fishing tournament for 150 service members. All expenses are paid for through donations and sponsors. I joined the group 5 years ago as a Public Affairs Officer, but was invited to join the committee and became the Volunteer Coordinator. The organization was started as a way to say Thank You to currently serving military and this year we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary. I love the committee I work with, I enjoy giving a little something special to our military and am proud to be a part of this group. The funny part is, I don't fish. Although I did finally win a fishing pole at an event recently, so I might have to learn. :-)

Next, I am member of my communities Property Owners Association Advisory Council. I was asked to join the council shortly after moving to our current location because of my Public Affairs skills. I wrote the newsletter at first, and then we decided to go with a professional publisher. Now I chair the Adult Activities Committee which puts on quarterly events for the adults within our community. We have put on social events with themes and are currently planning a Murder Mystery Dinner in August. I do this work because it helps with my community.

Recently, I was asked to join the Women's Club in my community which does a great number of volunteer activities including highway cleanup, collecting food for a local food bank, helping in-need families of domestic violence and more. The group puts on an annual Art and crafts show and I've been asked to take over as chair for this annual event. I told them I probably won 'Best in Show' for my photography at the last show, as a way to encourage me to take on this role. I am looking at starting another project putting together a Melodrama group within our community. Not sure if it will fly, but will give it a shot.

I recently started volunteering at the Temple Theater in Sanford, NC. This small theater puts on several excellent productions throughout the year. I have a minor in Dramatic Arts, spent several years acting on stage and enjoy working with the theater, so needless to say, this is a good fit for me. It is fun for me, even if I'm only working back stage and not acting.

Finally, I have been asked to be a part of a couple of boards. The first board is for our local Charter Elementary School. Not sure I will be taking this one on. I don't have children myself, but I guess they don't really care about that. Second, I was asked to submit a packet to be on a VA Ethics Board that reviews requests for funding for medical research.
A fascinating opportunity, but this is not confirmed yet.

OK, I think that gives me a pretty full plate. I've tried helping out with RallyPoint, but have failed in that area due to timing. So, for now, I just try to contribute the best I can and hopefully I can be helpful from time to time. If I do go back to work, I will certainly have to determine what I am able to continue doing and what will need to take a back seat.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Apr 17 at 2015 4:01 PM

2015-04-17T16:01:34-04:00

I am not but after visiting the VA in Montgomery today on my way home I was considering volunteering there. I'm sure there is something I can do to help our wounded warriors.

Response by SSgt Rilene Ann made Apr 17 at 2015 5:20 PM

2015-04-17T17:20:22-04:00

Flint Hills Resources here in Fairbanks Alaska just provided Golden Heart Hero's (volunteers in the community) a luncheon together at the Westmark to celebrate our community of care. It was very pleasing to see over 200 recipients including myself.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 6:31 PM

2015-04-17T18:31:21-04:00

I love volunteer work and thrive at customer relations in support groups. Getting people excited about helping is the key. The idea in leadership is to set the example and let that eagerness thrive and keeping in mind that it is all about the ones we help. Even if we wheel a patient at the Shriners or clean a bed pan or help the nurse. Be a grunt in the sense of humility and consideration. Yes sir and Yes Ma'am to everyone. Again not for yourself but the hungry and homeless and depressed. No judgements but inspire hope. Those are the keys to a fulfillment that is elusive if all we do is think about ourselves and complain.

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made Apr 17 at 2015 7:09 PM

2015-04-17T19:09:39-04:00

Now that I am a Gray Area Retiree and I have all that free time back from being a Brigade Staff Officer, I volunteer with ESGR, my State Defense Force and on a local board. My military duties kept me too busy for my community. Now I am giving back.

Response by MAJ Martin Verboom made Apr 17 at 2015 8:56 PM

2015-04-17T20:56:28-04:00

currently Volunteer with DAV and American Legion preparing Soldiers for transition from military service and ensuring that they receive benefits from VA that they earned. Daunting task of ensuring medical records are correct for the VA compensation claims.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-04-17T20:58:15-04:00

Sure am
US Army

Response by CPT Alan W. made Apr 17 at 2015 9:09 PM

2015-04-17T21:09:37-04:00

Over the years I've volunteered at variety of organizations. A volunteer fire department back home, Civil Air Patrol, and Alaskan Aids Assistance Association are just a few. I'm currently volunteering as the sound engineer for the production team at the Portland Gay Men's Chorus, I gotta say it's probably the coolest volunteer gig I've had.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 9:44 PM

2015-04-17T21:44:43-04:00

I'm one of those quasi-volunteers in my mind. My son wanted to play soccer, but one look at the coaches we decided that I'd be his coach.
I've been coaching little league soccer for 4 seasons with my son being on the team. Putting in about 10 hours a week for practice, tactics and games.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Apr 17 at 2015 11:03 PM

2015-04-17T23:03:20-04:00

Yes city county fire department and the vfw

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 2:30 AM

2015-04-18T02:30:06-04:00

For years I have volunteered countless hours over the years with either the Boy Scouts or the Cub Scouts, and there is no better feeling that helping our youth to grow and learn. I do what I do out of the love for doing it and not for the ribbon that we can earn. Selfless Service is something this world needs more of and maybe, just maybe it would change the world we live in.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Apr 18 at 2015 10:34 AM

2015-04-18T10:34:00-04:00

Yes I am. I volunteer in helping veterans. I am a Hospice Volunteer in a Veterans-to-Veterans Hospice Program and I am also a member of "Bugles Across America" where I volunteer to play Taps, live, at Military Funerals. I also do volunteer work for the VFW & American Legion Post to the local schools in our area by giving lectures to the students about Veterans and the true meaning of Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 12:14 PM

2015-04-18T12:14:25-04:00

I volunteer with a few organizations, mostly the museum on post since I am a history buff, and like giving my time so the AIT Soldiers and veterans can see where they came from, and where we are going. Ft. Eustis just held its volunteer recognition ceremony and I was nominated for Military Volunteer of the year. I didnt win, but it was cool to be nominated. Still no MOVSM....(grumble grumble), but I love volunteering and giving back.

Response by SGM Mike Barbieri made Apr 18 at 2015 2:01 PM

2015-04-18T14:01:46-04:00

I volunteer with several organizations:
Boy Scouts of America
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club
Sergeants Major Association
Habitat for Humanity

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 9:44 PM

2015-04-18T21:44:57-04:00

I volunteer with through the VFW - Color Guards, Parades, Community events, etc.

Do I consider my military service volunteer work? No.
Did I volunteer to serve in the military? Yes.

There is a big difference.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Apr 19 at 2015 8:24 AM

2015-04-19T08:24:18-04:00

I suppose I should respond to my own post.
I volunteer at the charter school where my kids are students and I also volunteer with my wife at our church in the youth ministry program. Since I'm working with the military and veteran community in my full-time job, I deliberately decided to focus on my children and their activities.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 19 at 2015 3:55 PM

2015-04-19T15:55:58-04:00

There is so much need out there for many things, and I feel everyone should give something. My children have learned from an early age that part of receiving is giving back. I think I've gotten so much from my military career that the sense of duty and giving back a lot of what I have done is ingrained in me. I love Boy Scouts and have been involved in that for several years with my boys and Girls Scouts with my daughter. When Coventry started a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) I found a sense of usefulness again for my skills. Not only do we train to assist in crisis events but we help run food drives, clinics at the animal shelter, HAM radio nets, you name it in community involvement events. I need volunteer time almost as much as it needs me and its a great feeling to have!

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Apr 19 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-04-19T20:14:46-04:00

I have volunteered in a variety of capacities over the years. I coached LLB for 10 years. I coached youth soccer at different times.

I have supported local events in a variety of ways.

I was a lay music minister for 3 years.

I have served on the worship team in my church for 15 years.

My band typically plays for free at different events. We recently played for a prison crusade.

Those are off the top of my head.

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made May 22 at 2015 5:50 PM

2015-05-22T17:50:16-04:00

LTC Jason Strickland , I am indeed sir. I volunteer with ECHO, an organization that tries to reduce the impact and incidence of child abuse.

http://www.echolou.org/

Also volunteered while in Fort Drum with Habitat for Humanity.

I'm sure that I'll find something now in the Carson area, there's always something to do and people/organizations that need a hand.

About ECHO

Mission Since 1983, the Exploited Children’s Help Organization (ECHO) has worked to reduce the impact and incidence of child abuse and exploitation. ECHO is a volunteer-based organization that teaches children and parents about preventing child abuse. ECHO is an important community partner and works closely with law enforcement, educational institutions, community groups, the courts and many more to help keep our children safe. We travel...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 23 at 2015 5:02 PM

2015-05-23T17:02:01-04:00

I volunteer at the geriatrics at the VA hospital. They are slightly crazier than I am lol

Response by SSgt Rilene Ann made Nov 20 at 2015 9:37 AM

2015-11-20T09:37:15-05:00

Community Volunteer; Festival Fairbanks, Yukon Quest, Salvation Army Food deliveries

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-11-20T11:00:07-05:00

I volunteer in a number of venues working with helping children, animals, and the arts.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 20 at 2015 11:20 AM

2015-11-20T11:20:48-05:00

Yes. For 30 years I have served as an unpaid volunteer professional with the Civil Air Patrol, providing youth leadership development, STEM education and emergency services support.

As a volunteer it has been my privilege to serve is in a variety of capacities: Leading a disaster response team on the ground in MS after Katrina, working with at risk children, providing support search and rescue efforts, and providing support for USAF non-combatant missions and activities.

I have also served as a volunteer in a number of other organizations and for various activities, to include, supporting Special Olympics, working with the homeless, and supporting veterans, serving as an officer and then as president for a veterans association, sponsoring an Explorer Post, and supporting various civic and charity events.

http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com

Civil Air Patrol - United States Air Force Auxiliary

CAP is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force and a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization. CAP supports America’s communities with emergency/disaster response, aviation and ground team services; youth development; and promotion of air and space power.

Response by SFC Brian Ewing made Nov 20 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-11-20T15:35:11-05:00

Thanks for sharing this Colonel.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Nov 20 at 2015 7:42 PM

2015-11-20T19:42:22-05:00

Yes and for various programs. It helps to provide focus and a grounded perspective of life and the challenges we face.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Nov 21 at 2015 12:33 PM

2015-11-21T12:33:31-05:00

I am a volunteer. I volunteered for the Army and volunteered to accept every challenge within my capability. I volunteered to be a husband and father, a Scout leader to my children and then other people's children. I was a Volunteer in Probation (Orange County California Probation Dept) working with Youth at Risk. I was a volunteer crew member of the Brig Pilgrim at Dana Point, CA, where I learned the art of sailing tall ships according to custom and practice of the 18th and 19th Centuries (and became a living museum passing those skills on to others as well as teaching history to students who visited the ship). I volunteer for community service activities sponsored by by veterans groups. Recently, I volunteered to become a member of a FEMA-sponsored response organization that organizes and places emergent volunteers during times of disaster. I can't imagine a life without volunteering. It gives me purpose far beyond what I do to earn a living. If introduces me to new people and helps me make new friends. I recommend it highly...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2015 3:53 PM

2015-11-21T15:53:13-05:00

Yes! I volunteer at an equine therapy farm, taking care of horses, mending tack, mucking stables, serving as a leader or side-walker with our disabled riders, and just enjoying life in general! My relationship with this program is mutually-beneficial: we have a program for Veterans on Thursdays, so I ride and connect with other Combat Vets who share my experiences and frustrations. I have two children with Asperger's Syndrome and they get to ride as well. I was a licensed special education teacher who specialized in working with students on the Autism Spectrum. When complications with my TBI made working too difficult, this program gave me a place to bring my skills and apply them. In short, I may not have a full-time job, but I have a place that relies upon me, values my skills, and honors my service. In this upcoming week of Thanks, how great is that?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 21 at 2015 4:43 PM

2015-11-21T16:43:25-05:00

We should volunteer for career and patriotic reasons, but one should never believe it is all about me, it should be for the greater good. The military is the pre-eminent team in the world.

Response by Sgt Sherry Taylor-Bruce made Nov 21 at 2015 6:08 PM

2015-11-21T18:08:22-05:00

Being a cancer survivor I find it vvery rewarding to drive cancer patients to treatments. I also love visiting veterans at te local Veterans Nursing Home. It makes me feel better than anything I've evever done before.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Nov 21 at 2015 7:52 PM

2015-11-21T19:52:32-05:00

Nothing fancy here, LTC Jason Strickland, just responding as needed with the a local volunteer fire department.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Nov 21 at 2015 10:41 PM

2015-11-21T22:41:39-05:00

LTC Jason Strickland, my wife and I help the homeless through the Room in the Inn program that is sponsored by our church along with many other area churches of all denominations.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 22 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-11-22T15:59:13-05:00

Not as much as I would like, but still "Yes"! :)

Response by MSG Don Reed made Nov 22 at 2015 7:39 PM

2015-11-22T19:39:55-05:00

So much of contributing to the success of volunteer-based programs and the well-being of our communities is simply being there. Raised my hand to volunteer for our country long ago, and still doing so. At home, I've volunteered with the Chabot Space and Science Center, the Girl Scouts of America as a troop leader for my oldest daughter for 9 years (my wife was troop leader for our youngest), our youth soccer league as a referee for eight years, my city's CERT program for ten years, and ongoing, as an instructor and member of the advisory task force (committee), as a community advisor nationally contributing through Nextdoor.com. I gratefully and proudly support veterans through the VFW, the American Legion, and the Legion Riders. As a 'volunteerism junkie' I believe volunteerism is a significant element of any résumé.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 7:55 AM

2015-11-23T07:55:53-05:00

I absolutely agree with volunteering your time and efforts when/where you can; I support any of my Soldiers doing the same. During my time in the Army I've volunteered at many animal shelters near base as well as for the MWR on post for all levels of fitness competitions.

Response by Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire made Nov 24 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-11-24T12:06:24-05:00

I volunteered for the USMC in 1967. I than volunteered for VietNam in 1968.

Response by SPC Pete Herb made Nov 26 at 2015 12:34 PM

2015-11-26T12:34:34-05:00

As a career I do photography and videography. I volunteer at the VA Medical Center in the media production services dept,,, `In support and care of America's Veterans'

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made May 5 at 2016 5:46 AM

2016-05-05T05:46:32-04:00

Absolutely! I cannot imagine a life without volunteering. I volunteered with the VA, hospice, a local low income health clinic, flu shot clinics, Theater/Music Theater, the local Botanical gardens for special events especially those involving children. I have a couple other areas I am on the roster but have not had time to squeeze in yet. When my kids were young, I co-coached soccer, I ran a brownie troop, participated as staff for special olympics, co-lead a pack of Cubscouts; you get the idea.