April offers opportunity to highlight those helping others

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Schultze
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California --  

Airman around the world volunteer time and help organizations on a daily basis. During the month of April, this act of volunteering is being highlighted as a part of National Volunteer Month. Team Beale has a rich history of volunteerism and that legacy continues today through a myriad of base organizations and the individual outreach of Airmen.

“Volunteering shows that you and you are not just involved in what you are doing personally, you don’t mind taking time to help another person.” Said Angelica Williams Volunteer Coordinator for the Airman and Family Readiness Center. “It is imperative that a person chooses an area they are interested in, because if you are thoroughly invested in that area you will do a great job and it will be a more rewarding experience”.

 A starting point to contributing is choosing an organization or cause to get involved with. For those interested, the AFRC maintains an up to date catalog of volunteer opportunities on both Beale and in the local area. Any members of Team Beale can visit the AFRC and find a volunteer outlet that fits them.

Michael Haberman, Managing Director of Global Philanthropy for JP Morgan Chase emphasizes the importance of all volunteer efforts large and small in a 2012 essay.

“One of the greatest aspects of volunteerism is that there are so many different ways to do it, and sometimes, we volunteer without even making conscious recognition of it — for example, helping out at church or coaching your child in soccer. Sometimes we can only fit in one day and we serve food at the local soup kitchen or clean up the local park. These acts all deserve to be applauded.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics about 62.6 million people volunteered through or for an organization at least once between September 2014 and September 2015.

Within this universal framework of volunteerism the Air Force promotes developing a mindset in its ranks where devoting time to enriching lives and solving problems in local communities and beyond, is vital to being a well-rounded Airman.

For example, Beale Airmen participate yearly in the Boi Kai Parade, the Base Honor Guard is a volunteer based program that performs official duties throughout the region. And Beale is also home to professional organizations such as the Air Force Sergeants Association, Rising Six and the Top Three who routinely volunteer their time and services to the community.

“My Grandmother used to say life is the longest thing you will ever do, and the one thing you never want to regret. So for me volunteering is an activity in my life that makes it worth it, I never regret volunteering for anything, volunteering is incredibly rewarding.” Said Beale spouse and active volunteer Christian Brown.

For more information about volunteer opportunities on Beale members should contact the Airmen and Family Readiness Center. http://www.bealefss.com/afrc.html