Photo By Estella Holmes | Volunteers from the Pat Tillman USO on BAF during busy period on May 25, 2016 sorting...... read more read more
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When thinking of volunteering, on or near a military installations, it’s not surprising the United Service Organization might come to mind, as they have been around for many years.
Louis Parks, a contractor and former Marine Corps corporal, said, “When I was in the military I came to the USO a lot, especially during my deployments and redeployments. I guess I’m just giving back.”
Parks mainly works at the front desk at the USO, providing that sense of welcome and the unspoken permission to relax, for which they are well known. Parks volunteers each week on his day off, for as many as twelve hours.
The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Metal can be earned for a minimum of 500 volunteer hours, according to 1Lt. Benjamin Richards, the USFOR-A essential personnel services officer in charge. All services are eligible for the award, which provides points towards career progression. Reinaldo Reyes, Staff Volunteer Coordinator at the Pat Tillman Memorial USO, keeps a log of volunteer donated work hours each volunteer donated.
Driven by her love of serving her fellow service members at the USO, Spc. Gabriela “Bunker” Tillack has logged more than 700 volunteer hours during her deployment. Bunker said she volunteers so much because she loves interacting with people and it’s a good distraction from every day activities.
Working towards a MOVSM can also be accomplished by volunteering with other organizations here on BAF. A lesser-known opportunity presents itself in the Airman’s Attic, located in the PAX terminal area, near the Russian Tower, an original structure on BAF. Operated solely by volunteers, there is always a need for help to keep the doors open.
Staff Sgt. Travis Lester and Senior Airman Dillan Knott from the 455th Security Forces Squadron, answered the call to volunteer at the Attic, from their first sergeant, via email. “Many airmen have used the Attic before,” Knott said. “They are hurting for bodies and we help them stay open to help more people.”
Lester believes the MOVSM could be a substantial benefit for his officer training school package.
The name Airmen’s Attic might give the impression only Air Force members can volunteer or shop. Actually, in this deployed environment, unlike at a stateside Air Force base, anyone is welcome to come and take what they need, including civilians. The stock includes uniforms, boots, household goods, books, DVDs and almost any gently used items donated. The Airman’s Attics is a volunteer organization operating solely on donations.
The USO and the Airmen’s Attic are but two organizations at BAF where volunteer support is both needed and appreciated. The rank and service affiliation of the member is unimportant. Anyone with time and willing. A volunteer’s contribution has many benefits; to the nonprofit organization our mission here in Afghanistan and also to the volunteers career.
If you have time and can, please consider volunteering. You will help many others and yourself.
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2016 10:31 |
| Story ID: | 199956 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 344 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Volunteers can give, and receive more than they know, by Estella Holmes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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