Posted on Jul 2, 2014
MAJ Deputy Director, Combat Casualty Care Research Program
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Just got mine approved - I'm betting this is one of the most overlooked and available ribbons to many in the military. Look it up if you don't have one. I had no clue until someone downrange gave me a heads up.
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SGT Ben Keen
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The MOVSM was actually the first medal I got when I got to my first duty assignment. My team chief was doing some volunteer work with the Boy Scouts at Katterbach Kaserne in Ansbach, Germany and asked if I wanted to help as well. I think I logged 4 or 6 months worth of work before I was put in for one. After I recieved, several other Soldiers in my unit asked about and started volunteering. It became part of my newcomers briefs with all my new Soldiers.
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SGT Ben Keen
SGT Ben Keen
>1 y
SSG Keven Lahde - I didn't mean to make it sound like I only volunteered to get the medal. I volunteered because I'm a former Boy Scout as well and found it a great way to give back to the community. The medal is/was just a great way for the command to recognize my efforts.

CPT (Join to see) - My unit in Germany was one of those that forgot about it. My team chief and I had to do the research in order to get that command letter written. It was not to pay it forward for others.
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SSG Keven Lahde
SSG Keven Lahde
>1 y
I didn't mean to sound like that was the only reason why you volunteered to get it, and if I did come across like that I am sorry. I guess to me I like to volunteer, but when it does come to that, no one ever does anymore.
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SGT Ben Keen
SGT Ben Keen
>1 y
No big deal bro. Just clearing the air. You are right though, the number of people giving of their time is growing less and less.
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SSG Keven Lahde
SSG Keven Lahde
>1 y
I guess people just expect you to volunteer without getting anything in return for it. If you don't, then you get volen-told to do something which defeats the purpose.
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SGT Kristin Wiley
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Edited 9 y ago
I got mine by volunteering for the Iraqi Boys and Girl Scouts in Baghdad during my year there. One of/if not my proudest medal. If the Army gave more awards for off-duty accomplishments I think they could better identify who the genuine leaders are. Being a leader is a full-time job, on and off-duty. The greatest leaders are those who embody what a leader stands for in their personal lives and their military lives. Yes, some people do these things just for the award, but it still gives a better impression on who serves selflessly.
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SGM Senior Adviser, National Communications
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10 y
Truly outstanding, SGT Wiley!
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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Congratulations - and thanks for continuing to make a positive impact on the community. Thanks for sharing this topic as well - many are unaware of the award.

I encourage Soldiers to continue to volunteer, and just because they are overseas there are still plenty of venues available between scouting, USO, on-post agencies and etc. As was mentioned, one hurdle is getting the hours logged in VMIS, it really helps when recommending one of your Soldiers. This is a very easy medal for someone to earn, it only requires time!
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SFC Military Police
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I was recently written up for one despite years of volunteering. I have never been one to do things for medals or ribbons. To me my spare time is there to do for others when and if I can.
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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that is the true spirit of volunteering and what I believe the medal was intended for.
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SFC Military Police
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CSM, I wonder why more leadership do not emphasize volunteerism in our soldiers today? Perhaps if more did and promoted the stewardship we would see less of our soldiers on booking pages. I know of dozens of agencies in my immediate area that could always use volunteers and they aren't even listed in VMIS.
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