Which volunteer efforts do you support and why?

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 10:17:08 -0400

When I'm not studying or working, volunteering is my thing but I'm still working on finding one solid volunteer effort to really dig into. Which volunteer efforts do you support and why?

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 10:19 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 10:19:00 -0400

I enjoyed volunteering for Young Marines. I found it fulfilling. I also enjoyed boy scout and my local parish.

Whether you believe in church or not, they do a awesome job of helping people in need.

Young Marines is a child mentoring experience that I enjoyed.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 10:27 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 10:27:36 -0400

I volunteered in the emergency room at a hospital when I was stationed in Hawaii. Every Friday after work I would go from 6pm to midnight. It was very rewarding and a great experience. I have done some other volunteering but nothing that impacted me the same way.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 10:32 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 10:32:26 -0400

I have been spending a lot of my time volunteering at the base airmens attic. I wasn't really sure what I was doing when I first started, and was hesitant about it, but after several months now have to say that I actually enjoy it.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 2 at 2015 10:37 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 10:37:35 -0400

I volunteer my time at my local church as an usher for 4 hours each Sunday. It is a ministry for me to serve people, welcome everyone and help them find loved ones or a seat or both, greet people who are afraid, angry or embarrassed and let the know they are welcome. I have been doing this for 30 years or so.
I used to volunteer as a teacher of young children at church. Some of them were from broken homes and did not have responsible adults nearby. I tried to provide them with a secure space while I demonstrated the love of God to each of them while I served in the children's ministry. I tried to make it as fun as I could for the 2 and 3 year olds. I Had to give this ministry up because of health conditions. The 2 and 3 year olds are now in their 20s and it has been great to watch them grow up.
I have served as a political precinct captain for many election cycles. I do my best to welcome everybody to the polls regardless of who they are voting for. I am a conservative and I have worked closely with my liberal counterpart to reduce tensions.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 2 at 2015 10:44 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 10:44:14 -0400

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member - I have done a great deal of volunteer work (and still do). Whether it be Red Cross, Aid to Distressed Families, church volunteerism, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Wounded Warriors, support of community organizations and projects, etc., etc., they have all been rewarding. To me, the most rewarding have been Wounded Warriors and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Each of us with the ability (physical and/or financial) should volunteer our time and resources to those who need (and deserve) it.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Sep 2 at 2015 11:18 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 11:18:20 -0400

I am a PFV trainer in ATL - in fact, I was recently asked (and accepted) the lead trainer position. I've made three matches and the effects have been overwhelming. These veterans who are getting companion dogs thru our program are getting a life changing experience - and in almost all cases, their PTSD symptoms are either significantly reduced, stabilized, or effectively eliminated.
https://www.facebook.com/PetsForVetsGA
The woman in the cover photo is Cpl D and the dogs name is Sid - Sid was my first match! :-)

Pets for Vets - Georgia Chapter

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 2 at 2015 3:04 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 15:04:51 -0400

I work for The Soldier's Project http://www.thesoldiersproject.org providing volunteer counseling services to Post 9/11 vets...

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Sep 2 at 2015 9:36 PM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 21:36:59 -0400

Your local Women's Assistance League is an outstanding place to volunteer. Everything they do is raising money to help kids in school. They provide clothing, Back-packs, personal items. etc. They have fund raisers every year that always need volunteers. My wife has been helping there for many years, and I have seen first hands the smiles it puts on children's faces.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 1:36 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 13:36:33 -0400

When I was overseas for operation Atlantic resolve, I found that building a house for orphans and actually rallying them together because they too want to help build their new home it was both fun for me and them, but I'm someone who works with their hands so if your not a hands on in the way that you have fun making things, you pick which hobbies you do for fun if it's working out why not hold a volunteer workout session invite a group of people not just your friends get out of your social network and expand your relationships via, mil or civ. just boils down to what you like to do or think is fun.

Response by SFC Jeffrey Couch made Sep 10 at 2015 2:19 PM

SFC Jeffrey Couch — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 14:19:19 -0400

In my community I have started a walk run that brings awareness to PTSD people in general even the military an VA ignores I have gotten the VFW involved pretty good results so far

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 5:46 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:46:18 -0400

Currently I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity 1-2 times a month, ..it helps local families with homeowner opportunities earned through sweat equity. I've met some incredible people while helping build houses and also working in their RE-store shops. I also volunteer with Operation Ward 57, Wear Blue: Run to Remember and Team RWB as the opportunities present themselves to give back to my military family/community. Volunteer work is humbling, soul-fulfilling, and selfless.

Response by PO2 Lester Sullivan made Sep 28 at 2015 2:21 PM

PO2 Lester Sullivan — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:21:49 -0400

Want to help with Hands4America to #JoinHands4th of July?