SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (April 11, 2014) -- Volunteers with Army Community Service (ACS); Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR); U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii, received a big pat on the back -- along with some cake and door prizes -- at a Volunteer Open House at the ACS building, here, Monday.
ACS hosted the informal gathering as a kick-off to a week of activities aimed at saying "mahalo" to the many Soldiers, family members and civilians who give of their time and energy to garrison events and programs throughout the year.
"Volunteers are the foundation of Army Community Service, but this (event) is not just for ACS volunteers. This is for volunteers from the entire (USAG-HI)," said Ferne Conroy, acting Army Volunteer Corps coordinator for ACS.
"There are various reasons why people volunteer," Conroy added, noting that Soldiers can earn promotion points, while family members can gain valuable work experience and learn more about their local community.
"And some people just like to volunteer; they want to do something that's important to them," Conroy said. "But whatever the reason, we want them to come in and volunteer. That's the bottom line."
Other events held during Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 6-12, included free paintball and stand-up paddle boarding/kayaking excursions, coordinated by the Outdoor Recreation Center; free bowling at bowling centers, here, and on Fort Shafter; and reduced golf fees at Fort Shafter's Nagorski Golf Course, provided by FMWR.
ACS's month of thanks will conclude with the annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at the Nehelani, here, April 29.
"They give so much to this community," Conroy said, "and we just want to say 'thank you' for volunteering and helping us out."
Social Sharing