Why Should Someone Volunteer?

Maj Kim Patterson — Thu, 05 May 2016 05:06:27 -0400

While being all we can be, flight, fight, win etc, many of us find time to volunteer in our community. Let me offer a few thoughts: volunteering often gets you in touch with civilian perspective and creates contacts that could lead to future employment. Volunteering can cover a gap between paying gigs and demonstrates that you are willing to contribute while you wait for your next big break.You can make your community one you want to live in. One connection can lead to another where you learn a transferable skill. Your vocabulary begins to incorporate civilian terms vs military acronyms. Learning a common language helps with resume building and interview skills necessary to make a smoother transition. There are so many different areas you can build new strengths or teach others what you know. IMHO, just like the idea that everyone should spend 2 years in military service, I believe everyone should find an area they can grow while volunteering. The photo I've included is from a theater listed on the historical registry and is in the midst of being restored to its former glory when the likes of Harry Houdini and Gypsy Rose Lee performed. A lot of big names come through and it is a nice size to feel warm and welcoming instead of huge and unnavigable. What are some positives you see? Where is your favorite place to volunteer?

Col Mike Burroughs, TSgt Hunter Logan, Jp4, SPC Mark Kasinki, LT Col Steven Ford, SMsgt Minister Gerald A Thompson, CSM Jane Baldwin, PVT James Strait

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 5:17 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 May 2016 05:17:15 -0400

While true, Ma'am, how do we tactfully ask to be acknowledged for these efforts and their outcomes included in our awards list ORP?

Response by SPC Corbin Sayi made May 5 at 2016 6:00 AM

SPC Corbin Sayi — Thu, 05 May 2016 06:00:01 -0400

There are so many different volunteer opportunities. A lot of them make use of military skills. I take it that Maj Kim Patterson is referring to transitioning AD personnel, but this subject applies to reservists and civilians equally.

There's CERT (disaster response teams composed of state-sponsored civilians), which is perfect for military because it's transferable to almost every city in the country.

If you're overseas, there are thousands of "virtual" opportunities that will allow you to practice skills, especially computer skills like web development, SEO/SEM, data analysis, research, or cyber defense. Check out internships.com - most listings are volunteerships rather than internships. Some are paid.

If you're AGR/ADOS/MILTECH, there's police reserves, which is perfect for those looking for deep gov't careers in national security upon their exit date.

Would be nice to get a list going on here. Lots of resources out there.

Response by Alan K. made May 5 at 2016 6:09 AM

Alan K. — Thu, 05 May 2016 06:09:52 -0400

I look forward to being arrested every summer for the MDA to raise money for kids with MDA to go to summer camp......They set your bail @ $2,400 and you call people and raise money for your bail. Usually a buddy comes to arrest me, It's fun

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 7:21 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 May 2016 07:21:58 -0400

This has become such a big point of contention in my organization as of late, especially because we have so many high speed and driven people that care about the mission first. General Welsh made comments in a town hall, separately from CMSAF Cody, that have been a war cry for these types of individuals. While we try hard to promote the Whole Airman Concept here and outline why people should want to volunteer and give back, it's becoming increasingly difficult when our top leaders aren't careful enough with their words.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 7:43 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 May 2016 07:43:49 -0400

One of the best things about volunteering is keeping busy and feeling accomplished after helping others. After leaving the fast paced life of active duty, I was bored with my civilian gov't job so joined a volunteer rescue and recovery dive team which allowed me to practice skills I learned in the military. Then I joined a dive team in the next county over and found it to be rewarding as well.
The next opportunity I found was starting a local program of Project Healing Waters in order to teach my fellow disabled vets and wounded warriors to fly fish. I found this to be directly rewarding when they thanked me for showing them how to fly fish.
Volunteering to help others has provided me with a sense of accomplishment and purpose which a lot of vets need during and after transition.
Sitting at home feeling sorry for yourself leads to depression, anxiety and worse. Getting out and helping others has rekindled a sense of purpose and accomplishment for me which has been very effective in preventing boredom. The military taught some of us that if you're standing around and not doing anything then you're wrong. Keeping busy helps prevent this anxiety.
At least try volunteering doing something you like already or wish to learn. It may be a path to salvation for you.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2016 11:23 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 May 2016 11:23:33 -0400

Agreed, and there's just no better feeling than giving back...

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made May 5 at 2016 12:02 PM

PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels — Thu, 05 May 2016 12:02:28 -0400

There are also several organizations out there that do a lot of work in the community. Organizations like the American Legion, VFW, Lions Club, Rotary Club, etc. are doing a lot in the community to help a number of causes. These organizations also have local community leaders, and politicians who are either members or support them. So they are a great way to network and also help make a difference at the same time.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 5 at 2016 2:06 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Thu, 05 May 2016 14:06:52 -0400

I volunteer to shoot the breeze with veterans.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 5 at 2016 2:48 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 05 May 2016 14:48:51 -0400

Honestly, I like that volunteering is encouraged in the military because most of us get stationed hundreds or thousands of miles away from home. While some of us do go back home when we drop the pack, others choose to plant roots where they were stationed so they can stay close to the military community. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to get to know a community you may not be quite familiar with. Personally my favorite places to volunteer are schools and helping children. I've got 2 girls who will soon be school aged, so this gives me a sneak peek at some of the programs schools have to offer the children.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made May 8 at 2016 1:59 AM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sun, 08 May 2016 01:59:22 -0400

I volunteer because I enjoy helping people. I donate some of my free time to bring value to others. Boys Scouts or in professional organizations. There are hard and soft skills applied in volunteer organizations. In some cases, it can open the door to an unknown opportunity.

Response by CPL Ricky Vasquez made May 9 at 2016 1:10 AM

CPL Ricky Vasquez — Mon, 09 May 2016 01:10:21 -0400

It helps the community and your spirit...