When calculating volunteer hours for the MOVSM, do you include travel time?

2024-01-24T22:12:08-05:00

Hello everyone,

If possible I was wondering if I could get some clarification as I didn’t see anything pertaining to this on the memo and word of mouth to people is conflicted.

When calculating volunteer hours for the MOVSM do you include travel time. Some events that I have done have been well over an hour to attend and it would be nice to include those hours.

I’ve heard some people say no just count the time at the event which is what I’ve been currently doing and I’ve had people count all the time that they spend that day.

Thank you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2024 9:52 PM

2024-01-28T21:52:46-05:00

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Although sustained community service is not defined by a specific time period or number of volunteer hours (e.g., 36 months encompassing 500 hours of direct volunteer service), approval authorities will ensure the service to be honored merits the special recognition afforded by this medal.
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It's what one makes of it, and what the authorizing commander makes a threshold for.

Response by Kane Charles made Mar 19 at 2024 4:43 AM

2024-03-19T04:43:10-04:00

You should probably only count the event time you did, not including travel time. This can help ensure fairness and consistency in calculating volunteer hours. Time Calculator https://time-calculator.io/ can help you to calculate quickly and accurately.

Time Calculator: Add Or Subtract days, hours between two dates

Use this time calculator to add or subtract time (days, hours, minutes, seconds), calculate duration between two times and dates, and use free time card calculator.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2025 11:10 AM

2025-12-12T11:10:17-05:00

Interesting point about MOVSM volunteer hours! Travel time inclusion seems ambiguous. Officially, it's probably not included, but maybe Granny's old rule of thumb applies: If you're giving your time, driving's part of the deal! https://grannyfree.io/

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2025 11:13 AM

2025-12-12T11:13:57-05:00

Hey! Great question about MOVSM volunteer hour calculation. Travel time is a grey area, but I'd lean towards not including it. Think of it like this: Granny always said, "It's the deed, not the journey, that matters." Focus on the actual volunteer work hours - those are the "deeds" that count. Double-check official regs; they might have updated guidelines. Thanks! https://grannyfree.io/