The Whole Airman Concept lays a foundation of service for all Airmen through three major components: leadership and job performance, significant self-improvement and base or community involvement. Volunteering is one of the many ways Airmen can develop as well-rounded professional individuals and gives Airmen a chance to participate in leadership positions, mentoring, public speaking, establishing and coordinating events they might not experience in their primary duties.
”I believe the reasons Airmen should seek volunteer opportunities is that it provides a sense of connection to the local community and allows them to find something they may be interested in after they are done serving,” said Wing Staff Agency First Sergeant, Master Sgt. Ishmael DeJesus.
An important gateway to volunteer opportunities on base is the FEW 5/6 Organization. 5/6 provides a network for staff and technical sergeants to exchange ideas with a variety of career fields and units. Members share their innovative ideas amongst peers about mentorship, and receive communication through feedback to wing leaders and subordinates.
“I feel volunteerism is important because it widens your scope of experience,” explained Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Hutt, F.E. Warren 5/6 President. “You are exposed to new situations, new people, and you gain a new perspective. Volunteering offers a chance of personal and professional development through involvement.
Airmen can find these opportunities through seeking mentorship from leaders within their organization, meeting invites through Outlook and advertisements around the installation.
To each individual, volunteering can offer something unique, and for Hutt, volunteering means networking.
“The benefits of networking go beyond measure. If you have ever heard the phrase ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,’ they were talking about the effects of networking,” explained Hutt. “Through networking I have met some of the most important people in my life and I have received opportunities through volunteering that I couldn’t have dreamed of.”
Airman’s Council is another great resource Airmen can look to for volunteer opportunities, while increased familiarization with the community is a benefit to those opportunities. Vice president of the Airman’s Council Airman 1st Class Zyan Brosky shares, “Volunteering has given me a chance to get out of the dorms and create connections with local establishments and learn more about the area.”
For Airmen who are looking for ways to contribute, Brosky shares current options for volunteering.
“Volunteer opportunities on and off base are easy to find, as you can always reach out to your First Sergeant or look out for volunteering opportunities the Airman's Council puts out through email or Facebook. Due to Covid, we had to put a hold on volunteer events for the time being, but the best way to be informed about upcoming events is attending our meetings every second Tuesday of each month at Fall Hall on the second floor at 2:30 p.m. and to be on the lookout for emails from the Airman's Council,” adds Brosky.