How do I find military retirees looking for volunteer opportunities in my area?

SPC Dominic Vincenty — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 16:10:01 -0400

I have recently put a uniform back on, this time as a Boy Scout Leader. As I have been getting involved deeper into scouting, I find myself using many of the skills in leadership. motivation, discipline, and training that I learned in the military (my boys have learned what it means to go "DI" on them).

I am trying to find and recruit new leaders to replace those who are moving on as their sons leave the troop. I think the best scout leaders would be military retirees since the have both the leadership experience and time to devote to it, and bring stability to the troop by slowing the "turn-over" we have in the leader's ranks.

The problem is, I don't know how to reach them to recruit them. Any ideas out there?

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Mar 19 at 2014 4:34 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 16:34:48 -0400

A great place to start would be a military post close to your area. There are also other organizations like the VFW, American Legion, Elks, Moose, etc, that are traditional organizations with a lot former military members.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2015 7:04 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 19:04:47 -0400

Team Rubicon and Team RWB could be of great help, especially if you're a member of the organizations. If you speak with the BOSS president of an Army installation nearby, you may be able to enlist some volunteers (Active, Reserve, dependents) to help with your cause.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 15 at 2015 7:25 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 19:25:43 -0400

I think it is great that you are continuing to be a role model SPC Dominic Vincenty! 1SG Steven Stankovich & SGT Private RallyPoint Member provided some great advice, I'd also include looking at some of the veterans organizations in your area as well - the VFW might provide some opportunities for others to volunteer as well. Thanks for being a positive role model and let us know how you are doing.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 8:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 20:31:42 -0500

That is a commendable thing you are doing working with our youth-- a positive role model like yourself giving up your time to invest in the future of America--our youth! If your near a base go to the base or a unit command and have them post opportunities on the bulletin board. Coast Guard Island (Alameda, CA) posts volunteer opportunities all the time in its PLan of the Week! By the way this question can also apply to other organizations such as Sea Cadets, Civil Air Patrol, Young Marines. If youth leadership isn't your passion consider Coast Guard Auxiliary, state defense force or the non-cadet areas of the Civil Air Patrol. I'm sure there are many other organizations out there as well!

Response by LTC Lou MacDonald made Nov 4 at 2021 2:36 PM

LTC Lou MacDonald — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:36:49 -0400

go to your local AmVet or DAV chapter meeting