Selfless Airmen showing P.R.I.D.E.

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amber Ashcraft
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention," said Oscar Wilde, Irish writer and poet.

Every year, 62 million Americans volunteer countless hours at their local schools, hospices, animal and homeless shelters, and community centers. Airmen also contribute their time in their local communities.

"The men and women of Barksdale serve our country each and every day, but they also get involved by volunteering in the local community," said Teresa Micheels, volunteer/project manager for Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. "I don't know what we would do without them."

Recently, Barksdale was presented two awards highlighting the impact its Airmen have on the Shreveport-Bossier community.

The 2012 Proud Residents Involved in Developing our Economy Awards dinner was held earlier in May. Charlotte Hikes, Barksdale Volunteer Resource Program coordinator, accepted two awards on behalf of the base. The P.R.I.D.E. award was from the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, and the Louisiana Volunteer Service Award was presented by Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne.

"I was honored to accept the awards on behalf of the volunteers at Barksdale," said Hikes.

The Air Force also has recognition programs for Airmen who exceed the call of duty.

According to the Air Force Personnel Center website, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal may be awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their Reserve Components who perform outstanding volunteer community service of a sustained, direct and consequential nature.

The amount of volunteer hours streaming from Barksdale is immeasurable, but the awards show proof the surrounding communities have seen the impact, said Hikes.

"Volunteering accomplishes more than just making Airmen feel good about what they do, or helping someone out," said Master Sgt. Anthony Grubb, 2nd Comptroller Squadron and Wing Staff Agency First Sergeant. "It builds trust within the community, gets the Airmen engaged and gives them a sense of pride in the area outside our base gates."

Stephanie Reyes, Barksdale Airman and Family Readiness Center director, agrees that Team Barksdale members have provided immense volunteer support to the local community.

"The Airmen here generously give their time, talent and gifts to others," she said. "Volunteering is more than just a bullet on a performance report. We are all given talents and gifts to share and when we do, we're strengthening communities, connecting with others, improving lives and solving problems."

The benefits of selflessly giving time impacts the volunteer as much as the recipient.

"Overall, volunteering has strengthened my leadership and organization skills," said Staff Sgt. Samantha Plemons, 2nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "Volunteering at the local animal shelter has given me a sense of accomplishment knowing I'm helping a good cause. A part of being an Airman is taking care of your emotional and mental readiness. Working with animals has helped relieve stress because no matter how much I've had on my mind or bothered by something, seeing a dog wagging its tail because it's happy to see me makes my problems seem minimal."

Volunteering gives individuals the opportunity to practice and develop social skills, explore interests and passions, and provide an energizing escape from day-to-day routines.

"The experiences I've gained from volunteering have helped shaped who I am today," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Getz, 2nd Maintenance Squadron. "I've met wonderful people who have taught me many things. It's also helped me develop a stronger social network. I have contacts from across the base and city who I know I can call. Overall, I have found there is no end to the benefits of volunteering."

Airmen have stated volunteering even provides renewed creativity, motivation and vision that can carry over into their personal and professional lives.

"Donating time can be more beneficial than money because it builds relationships, morale of those helping as well as being helped, and opens Airmen's eyes to things outside their own world and the Air Force," said Grubb. "That happened to me when I mentored a first grade student whose father was in jail and mother was addicted to drugs. I realized I could help this child that others have left behind. It also made me realize how blessed I was to have the family and support that I did and that others need that support as well."

For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact Hikes at 456-8400 or your squadron first sergeant.