Why I am a volunteer Published March 6, 2008 By Kari Hashbarger Airman and Family Readiness Flight GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- I am a volunteer. To me a volunteer is a person who works behind the scenes, in any area where extra help is needed. Some people call us "angels" because of the good deeds we do for others. I became a volunteer for the Airman and Family Readiness Flight for several reasons. First, I wanted to become a vital part of an organization that helps military people. Second, I wanted to be part of a team that extends assistance to military personnel and their families. What better place to volunteer than with Family Readiness. I became a volunteer for Airman and Family Readiness because this organization works very closely with military personnel and their families. Plus, they sponsor a number of activities such as Christmas parties for the children and the adults, welcome home Airmen who have been deployed, contact families of deployed members to see if they need any assistance and manage the Volunteer Recognition Program. Additionally, I am a Guardian Angel/Solider Angel to over 2,000 soldiers. That means I write letters and send email, cards and care packages to keep in contact with members while they are in locations such as Iraqi. I do have a personal friend, who was deployed and I understand the hardships of the deployment on families and loved ones. Being able to volunteer like this is gratifying and fulfilling to me. Everyone has a calling and this is mine, to be able to reach out and give support, where it is needed to whoever needs it. Recently I joined an organization at the local college called "Stars and Strips" that supports our military personnel by having fund raisers to show them our gratitude for everything they are doing and have done for us. After sharing with some of the people in our community, they ask me how they can get involved and adopt soldiers and Airmen. It is always nice to know when you have touched someone's heart and made a difference in their lives, their "thanks" may just be a smile on their face, a thank-you, or even a pat on the back. I have been volunteering at the Airman and Family Readiness Center since December. During that time, I have been helping the staff with routine office duties such as answering the phone, taking messages and typing. I also get to "reach out and touch" family members of those who are deployed through phone calls. Volunteering is a good opportunity to learn new skills while you work with and meet a lot of different and interesting people. Plus, you and everyone else learn from each other. After a while you get to know everyone and build friendships. It is always nice to meet new people and make friends along life's way. By the end of my day I may be tired, but it is a good tiredness, just knowing that I did something that has made someone's life easier, happier, and less stressful. Volunteering has given me the chance to share with others about how wonderful it is and what you can do as a volunteer to support our Military members. I am so glad that I decided to become a volunteer, I have learned a lot. What an awesome feeling and experience it is to serve, and give of yourself unconditionally to others. It's an honor being able to do something for my country through volunteerism.
