Army Community Services (ACS) and the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) Chapel combined efforts to give thanks to the many volunteers on post.
On the evening of March 30, the Cactus Café was transformed into a banquet hall and guests dressed to the nines made their way to celebrate the many volunteers who gave their time and effort the.
YPG Chaplain Capt. Ryan Pearse had more than 20 volunteers help with various duties at the chapel and ACS thanked two volunteers.
The semi-formal Volunteer Appreciation Dinner included hors d'oeuvres, dinner, and chocolate fountains for dessert. Both YPG Commander Col. Patrick McFall and Garrison Manager Ken Musselwhite provided opening remarks and Command Sgt. Maj. Herbert Gill was the guest speaker and was recognized as a Chapel volunteer.
After dinner, the formal portion of the ceremony got underway where the volunteers were called up and recognized.
“These are all amazing volunteers, and they would do it even if they were not recognized but I think it’s very important to recognized volunteers. It shows appreciation, and it creates and fosters a community of volunteerism,” explained Pearse.
This event was the first of its kind at YPG however both Pearse and ACS Volunteer Coordinator Gisela Robles hope it continues. Robles is educating those interested in volunteering about the process of enrolling and tracking their hours.
Robles explains the benefits of making it official, “They get a certificate with the total number hours they have volunteered for the year and they can used that to add the experience on their resume.”
Those interested in volunteering can go directly to the facility they would like to volunteer at, for example to teach a class at the Fitness Center or Post Library or Travel Camp. The organization point of contact (OPOC) there will assist from that point with enrolling the individual.
To qualify as a volunteer a person must be a minimum of 14 years old. Current employees can be volunteers, but volunteer hours must be outside of their regular work schedule.
If someone wants to volunteer but not sure where they can contact Robles at extension 3350 and she can speak with the OPOCs to see where help is needed. Individuals interested can also visit the volunteer website at https:ymis.armyfamilywebportal.com.
Per Army regulations, volunteers on the installation must be registered.
Social Sharing