Volunteering benefits everyone

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Volunteering can take many forms. From simply raising a hand to help set up chairs for a ceremony to dedicating time to coach a youth sports teams, various types of volunteering contribute to the base's overall success.

Anyone - active duty, Reserve and Guard, spouses and children, civilian and contractors - can participate in Incirlik's volunteer program.

For individuals interested in volunteering at Incirlik, the first stop is the Airman and Family Readiness Center to talk to Irma Avery, the 39th Force Support Squadron A&FRC community readiness consultant.

The community readiness consultant sits down with a potential volunteer and explains the process of how to volunteer and where opportunities are available.

A volunteer must fill out a Department of Defense Form 2793 or volunteer registration form, according to Avery. Avery then reviews the information in the "Volunteer Handbook," which is a booklet listing volunteer opportunities.

"The base chapel, Club Beyond, Girl Scouts, Boys Scouts, Cub Scouts, youth center, medical group, community center and library are always looking for volunteers," Avery added.

The act of volunteering has many benefits.

"Volunteering allows you to give back to the community, develop new skills, meet new people, enhance your resume, improve the lives of others and mentor people," said Avery. "Volunteering makes a meaningful and positive impact on our community and also benefits the person."

"You are doing well for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. The better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals," said Tech. Sgt. Jerred Mitchell who was awarded "Volunteer of the Year" at Incirlik's 2010 annual awards banquet. "Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and will help you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you're going through challenging times."

In 2010, Team Incirlik contributed more than 7,000 volunteer hours, saving nearly $70,000, said Avery. "I want to thank the volunteers for their contributions to making Incirlik better."

For more information about volunteering, call the A&FRC at DSN 676-6755.