What do you do to satisfy your life, or where do you volunteer and what do you do?

2016-04-14T17:38:17-04:00

I work out but I am a loss as it is not enough. What do you do to satisfy your life, or where do you volunteer and what do you do? This collective input might help some folks out like me.

Response by SSG Bethany Viglietta made Apr 14 at 2016 5:54 PM

2016-04-14T17:54:41-04:00

CPT Joseph K Murdock I garden/do home improvements on top of working out and teaching yoga. Love seeing the plants sprout after putting in the hard work. Haven't been volunteering as much, I would really like to get back into that after my backyard is done and I get accepted into nursing school. Right now those two things take up most of my free time.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 5:57 PM

2016-04-14T17:57:32-04:00

SLEEP!!! But it is such a bitch to wake up to the same news and the same people in it!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 6:16 PM

2016-04-14T18:16:17-04:00

I work as a Docent at a Museum
http://www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com/

Home

Our mission at The Museum of Military History is to educate, increase awareness, build knowledge and understanding of the American military experience through interactive, interpretive exhibits designed for visitors of all ages. Come and visit us! Call (407) 507-3894 for more information.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 6:37 PM

2016-04-14T18:37:43-04:00

CPT Joseph K Murdock Sir, try mentoring 3rd and 4th graders at a local school. This will be challenging, fun, and harder than you think. If you belong to a nearby group, you could do a new sock (men and women) and new cap drive (ball cap and woolen caps), for veterans. You could then enlist some friends from this group to go to the local VA Hospital and distribute them. Set this up with the VA Hospital first. The men and women at the VA Hospital enjoy the socks and caps, and especially the company.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 14 at 2016 7:35 PM

2016-04-14T19:35:10-04:00

By living in it! I spend time doing things with my wife that we both enjoy, I ride my bike by myself as far as time permits and I try to assist Veterans and OWF Service members as much as I can.

Response by SFC Brian Schultz made Apr 14 at 2016 8:05 PM

2016-04-14T20:05:46-04:00

When I'm not on the road teaching Blue Force Tracker to our soldiers, my "escape" is riding my Harley with my wife and other friends.

Response by CPT Jim Davis made Apr 14 at 2016 8:23 PM

2016-04-14T20:23:59-04:00

I workout, too, but I also read incessantly (science fiction, military and medieval history, Celtic folklore and history, and I volunteer as a peer counselor at the VA Mental Health clinic. I also do most of the cooking because, honestly, my wife may be a great artist, but not so great a cook.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 14 at 2016 10:00 PM

2016-04-14T22:00:53-04:00

Fishing and Gardening.

Response by SFC Familia Gonzalez made Apr 15 at 2016 12:19 AM

2016-04-15T00:19:25-04:00

I volunteer at a place for elderly folks who are suffering from early, and in some cases advance stage of dementia every Thursday from 1000-1400.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2016 1:13 AM

2016-04-15T01:13:34-04:00

When I was in California, I volunteered a lot at the San Diego Habitat for Humanity. It was awesome to go out and meet new people, and sometimes get a workout in depending on what we were doing that day. Now that I'm in Okinawa, I volunteer at the USO. Its not as much fun, but there are occasionally opportunities to go read to Japanese children or other community outreach activities. In my opinion, going out and helping the community is the best thing to do because I've always enjoyed helping others over gardening, planting etc. I too am unable to keep them alive.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Apr 15 at 2016 7:16 AM

2016-04-15T07:16:03-04:00

I've lived in Asia the last 11 years. A problem with Veterans here is that there is no VA per se. We do have the VA FMP though. I help veterans with disabilities get care for their service connected conditions here through a network of hospitals. Pay sucks but the benefit of helping veterans is awesome.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-04-15T12:33:45-04:00

i work my ass off overtime,

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Apr 15 at 2016 12:38 PM

2016-04-15T12:38:35-04:00

Well, my husband and I both belong to a medieval re-creation group where we participate in horse-archery. That also means we have horses at home. I also belong to the Blue Star Mothers of America and volunteer at the local VA hospital and Homes for Our Troops. All on top of building new light rail lines in Denver for a living. I know there's sleep in there somewhere but I'm not sure. :)

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 15 at 2016 8:02 PM

2016-04-15T20:02:57-04:00

It's like there is a hot fire burning for me, but I don't know where to find it.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2016 2:18 PM

2016-04-16T14:18:59-04:00

For forty years, though I missed a few times, I've volunteered at church soup kitchens and rescue missions to cook and serve meals to the homeless and indigent on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Words cannot express the deep satisfaction I have received at each of those holiday events and from every personal encounter.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 16 at 2016 2:27 PM

2016-04-16T14:27:16-04:00

Will the person who mentioned peer to peer volunteer work reply to me please.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 16 at 2016 7:22 PM

2016-04-16T19:22:49-04:00

I just got an email from a suicidal teen that I have been working with stating she is a lot better now. That is an awesome feeling. To bad I can't do it every day.

Response by 1stSgt Jack Closson made Apr 21 at 2016 12:40 PM

2016-04-21T12:40:37-04:00

I work with Children in a youth program called Young Marines. We teach them leadership skills as well as life skills to make them productive citizens capable of taking responsibility for their choices and actions. Always looking for more Adults, especially Veterans, to volunteer with us.

Response by CW3 Stephen Bacon made Apr 21 at 2016 1:51 PM

2016-04-21T13:51:10-04:00

I get as much "Wind Therapy" as I can handle on my bike. I spend loads of time with other Brothers in the CVMA https://www.combatvet.org/

If I'm not fully engaged in things like that, then you'll probably find me in a local casino at the Mississippi Stud table.

Response by CW2 Max Dolan made Apr 21 at 2016 3:52 PM

2016-04-21T15:52:00-04:00

I work as a contractor with the Military Family Caregivers of Wounded, Ill and Injured service members. It is my "Jesus Job," although I am not allowed to share the Gospel at work. I think that my "little light shines" as much as it possibly can through my work. I know others who have such jobs, and the majority of them see their "jobs" as "gifts" as I do. We are fortunate to be able to give something to those military personnel and veterans who have given so much more for our country than we did.

Response by LT Russell Giambrone made Apr 22 at 2016 8:19 AM

2016-04-22T08:19:49-04:00

I volunteer coach flag football. I used to coach 5 teams a season - but my son has graduated to tackle (now i coach there), sp i only coach my girls teams. I have been doing it for almost 10 years now. I started volunteering at the Adoration of Christ one morning a week. I feel guilty calllin g it volunteering. I feel get more out of my "volunteering" than anyone else. I wish i could do more .. I have been feeling that I am not doing enough with my life... I had a rough loss in the family and a unexpected visit to the WW1 Memorial in Kansas City (I never knew it existed - AMAZING - MUST SEE) and this post gave me some time to self reflect.. Thank you! God Bless.

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Apr 22 at 2016 1:06 PM

2016-04-22T13:06:43-04:00

I think a lot,maybe to much.As far as giving to others,I think some where in the bible it says not to brag about giving,that's between U and God.Volunteering well I donate several hrs a day for activism on many issues,how by social media,conference calls,signing petitions,and word of mouth when possible.I also do a lot of Data diving,and researching.I love music especially loud,Depending on the type of music,the vibration sets the mood.I also love looking at Art,I do miss my canoe.Spending time with my kids and grand kids.Long drives.Visiting Parks and taking pics,and did I say music.What I eventually would like to do once I have my 20yrs in at my job,is to start my own business in combining relevant data from around the world,and decipher it.Anyways I told you I may tend to think a lot.Maybe I should try getting on at the VA and finish my Federal time.But my best advice is to find people to share your life with,and find causes to get involved in that reflect a greater good for others,never stop learning.Hope I helped.

Response by SMSgt John Lemon made Apr 22 at 2016 5:43 PM

2016-04-22T17:43:20-04:00

Because of my health issues, I haven't been able to work out like I would like. But i am active in the American Legion and my church.

Response by CSM Oscar Shaw III made Apr 22 at 2016 7:07 PM

2016-04-22T19:07:33-04:00

My spouse and I volunteer with the local VFW and retired military organizations as officers or workers in fund raising events. We live to golf, bowl, and bike when the time and weather permits.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 22 at 2016 8:46 PM

2016-04-22T20:46:41-04:00

I noticed when I was at the WTU, the passions I had like cooking, gardening, and fishing became chores. I lost my passion somewhere on the journey. I like to help others with depression and PTSD because I think I have a sound product.

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Apr 22 at 2016 9:23 PM

2016-04-22T21:23:16-04:00

I was blessed enough to become a county veteran service officer. Between spending my days helping vets, and taking part in different service in the evenings I get a lot of satisfaction. In addition to that, I do mud runs, hike, camp, and spend time with the family. Somehow I also find time to be Cubmaster for my kids pack and do occasional work for Habitat for Humanity.

Response by SrA Troy Barber made Apr 24 at 2016 9:31 AM

2016-04-24T09:31:29-04:00

I am a Chapter 31 student and help with career counseling with some of the younger Vets. The best advice I can give, is find a group that needs a little help, sometimes it is just an ear that they need, someone to talk to. I have helped more people by listening than anything else. The main thing is to find something that makes you happy while helping others Vets or not.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 25 at 2016 2:10 PM

2016-04-25T14:10:17-04:00

In my bitterness, I don't realize the lack of gratitude that I have for things that I do have.

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Apr 28 at 2016 1:03 PM

2016-04-28T13:03:47-04:00

I am a volunteer IT Manager for a local Hospice organization. I also volunteer time to go out to Assisted Living Facilities and sit with/converse with old veterans. For me, I enjoy shooting (want to get into Sporting Clays) with the family, an occasional golf outing, watching movies with the fam, or going four wheeling.

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Apr 28 at 2016 3:51 PM

2016-04-28T15:51:41-04:00

I work as a Service to the Armed Forces Field Specialist for the Red Cross. I help veterans, active duty and their families. I also volunteer and teach at my church. I read to relax

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 28 at 2016 5:35 PM

2016-04-28T17:35:01-04:00

I am more content now that I realize I have not lived with gratitude and finding out my long-term goal of owning a house will come to fruition in a couple years.

Response by SSgt David Dion made Apr 29 at 2016 2:52 PM

2016-04-29T14:52:43-04:00

For me, being a REALTOR in both Arizona and California - I give back to all of my hero clients - 25% of any commission collected, that can be used towards their closing costs, downpayment or anything allowed by the lender. In 2 years, agents at my company have given back over $200,000 of real money to help!!!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2016 3:33 AM

2016-05-08T03:33:03-04:00

Upon retirement, I made an allotment to the Red Cross and it's still in force today. I also began making monthly donations to Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, and later the American Legion and a Native American orphanage in South Dakota. For 20 years I made it a habit to help the citizens against the nations enemies and helped the Army youth groups at Bragg and Arizona. Since 5 surgeries in the last 10 years has taken a little out of me, I have to use a cane. I fight the demons of war and help my brothers when I can. So Captain, there's tons of things we can do to be a positive influence in our lives and our fellowman can benefit from it. Notice I fight demons, pretty good at it too