RAF ALCONBURY, England -- Have you seen the GIF with two dogs getting a ball out of a pool? One is craning his neck over the side into the pool, fishing the ball out while his partner is holding his tail tightly to keep him from falling in. It’s a good depiction of teamwork and how the one who conquers is only able to do so with the support of a teammate. Teammates come in many forms, but the type I want to focus on is the volunteer who keeps quality-of-life activities successful on our installations.
Living and working at overseas bases holds wonderful memories for my family and me. We’ve been blessed in making life-long friends, and I believe these friendships developed due to being away from family and needing each other to survive and thrive. It usually starts in billeting where you meet others in your life-stage, and you help each other out. It then grows as you get involved on and off base. On small bases like ours, opportunities to get involved and connected are made possible through charitable volunteers.
Recognizing these unsung heroes at our bases is important, because it goes without saying that they are truly remarkable. We may, at times, take for granted the selfless hours our volunteers contribute to ensuring our military community really is a community. Let's not take for granted that unit function you were able to attend because another unit supported you and watched your kids in a nearby location. Let’s not forget those individuals who gave their time and energy at base functions to help serve food, wait tables and clean up after the event you attended. Let’s thank the key spouse who checked in on you or organized activities for you to meet and connect with other unit members. Let’s recognize the people who make dorm dinners happen by cooking, setting up, serving, and then cleaning up after everyone has been fed. Let’s celebrate the individuals who organize and facilitate playgroups, mothers of preschoolers, home school groups, bunko events, chapel children's church, boy scouts, girl scouts, and other associations. Let’s not forget the volunteers who keep us safe by providing pumpkin patrol and open their homes to military kids who need to be fostered during a family crisis. Without these people, the quality of life would be deficient, and the sense of isolation would be very high.
I salute each of you for your hard work and dedication as well as your devoted time and energy to ensuring our communities thrive. Your selfless deeds and acts of kindness do not go unnoticed. You make living in our communities sweeter and set the stage for friendship and mentorship to come alive.
For everything you do, thank you.