As Army Community Service prepares for their 50th anniversary celebration in July, staff members are taking time in April to celebrate a vital part of the community -- volunteers.
The Army Volunteer Corps is responsible for managing the numerous volunteers who help keep the Fort Leonard Wood community thriving.
"One person volunteering is something that everyone on the installation can benefit from," said Rhonda Hutsell, Army Volunteer Corps coordinator.
"Volunteers are the most important resource the installation and community organizations have," she said. "The ability of people to work willingly together for the betterment of their community and themselves is a valuable resource."
Hutsell said volunteers contribute to the Army's mission and also have the opportunity for self improvement, to explore possible career paths, and network beyond what they would through work or school.
"Ideally, volunteers find the donation of their time, talent and energy a meaningful experience for themselves as well as for the organization. A true win/win situation," she said.
Marine Corps Sgt. J.D. Roque , originally of Peñuelas, Puerto Rico, volunteers on the installation to serve as BOSS president. Roque said volunteering is important to him for several reasons.
"I started volunteering because I want to make a difference in the world. A lot of people want to complain about this generation, or how 'bad' the world currently is, but those are the ones who won't move a finger to make a change. I started volunteering because I want to be that change," Roque said.
He said his volunteering experience has helped him do some things that he normally wouldn't and helps him to practice his philosophy.
"I always preach about the importance of helping others, so why not lead from the front," he said. "I have to lead from the front and show all my service members that I'm willing to put in the time and work, because I care."
Anyone, from teenagers to retirees, can volunteer in a wide range of opportunities. Some of those opportunities include: Installation Volunteer Office, Humane Society Pulaski County, American Red Cross, Bruce C. Clark Library, Public Affairs, museum gift shops, Staff Judge Advocate, Davidson Fitness Center, Piney Hills Golf Course, BOSS, FMWR Special Events, Army Substance Abuse Program, pet therapy program, the USO and more.
For more information on volunteering and a full list of options, contact Hutsell at 573.596.0131, ext. 64334 or rhonda.l.hutsell.civ@mail.mil.
(Editor's note: The last Thursday of each month through ACS's 50th anniversary in July, GUIDON will be highlighting the Relocation Readiness Program in May. Resel is a volunteer with the Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office.)
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