National Volunteer Appreciation Week takes place April 17-23, and for U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz it’s an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of volunteers contributing every day to organizations in the community.
“Even in the midst of a global pandemic, when there was so much uncertainty and confusion, our volunteers sought out ways to support our community and bring us together though we were physically apart,” said Michael Amarosa, U.S. Army garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Deputy to the Garrison Commander.
Last year, garrison volunteers donated 19,159 hours, equating to a dollar-value savings of $546,803 in services provided.
“There are countless organizations in our garrison footprint that rely almost completely on the work of volunteers,” said Julie Stephens, volunteer coordinator with the garrison’s Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. “If you walk into the USO, American Red Cross, BOSS (Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers), the Thrift Shops or KMC OnStage, just to name a few, you will see mission planning, coordination and execution carried out by volunteers.”
When tens of thousands of Afghan travelers needed support through Operation Allies Welcome, garrison volunteers gave of their time and talents to not only support the refugees, but also to support the Soldiers that were working tirelessly through long shifts, said Stephens.
“Every single volunteer hour has a positive impact on our community,” she added. “With over 162 organizations throughout USAG Rheinland-Pfalz, the span of volunteer involvement is impressive. Our volunteers support the medical clinics, Airmen Against Drunk Driving, fitness centers, libraries and chapels. They coach youth sports teams and accept/sort/merchandise donations at the Thrift Shops. We have youth volunteers as well, volunteering though Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and in other organizations throughout the garrison.”
In addition to selflessly giving of their time and talents, Stephens said that volunteers get something tangible in return as well – an upkeep of skill sets and job experience for their resumes, connecting with professionals in their fields, and gaining self-confidence.
“People fail to realize how crucial volunteering is to many organizations in the military community,” added Heidi Bredlow, Kaiserslautern/Landstuhl Spouses’ Association (KLSA) President. “KLSA, the KLSA Thrift Shop, and ODYD (Operation Deploy Your Dress)-Germany would cease to exist without volunteers, and that is something that weighs on my heart each day. Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our organizations. They freely give their time and resources to help people and organizations fulfill their missions while expecting nothing in return. Every donation drive, every grant or scholarship check written, every dress deployed, every moment you see KLSA, the KLSA Thrift Shop, or ODYD-Germany operating know that it is only possible because of volunteers. Volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do and I am continually humbled by their generosity.”
While next week recognizes the contributions of volunteers, the garrison will also honor its community volunteers May 13 with its’ annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at the Rheinlander Club on Smith Barracks, Baumholder.
“If you know a volunteer, please show your appreciation for their efforts,” said Amarosa. “The garrison, and many other organizations, could not provide the breadth of services we do if not for their generous support.”
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