Some 200 Edwards volunteers find fulfillment, opportunities in helping others

  • Published
  • By Diane Betzler
  • Staff Writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Rewards come in many forms. At Edwards, many people find it rewarding when helping others. A great way to help is to join the Edwards Volunteer Program.

"Volunteering in some way or another to help others has always been a part of the Edwards community," said Melida McWeeney, Airman and Family Readiness Center Community Readiness consultant.

Mrs. McWeeney said there are about 200 people involved with the volunteer program on base, and program officials are always looking for more people to join.

"Because this is a military installation, there is a big turnover," she said, explaining why the program is always accepting new volunteers. "People are always leaving for their next tour."

"We have a variety of positions that use volunteers and so we do our best to match volunteers with their interests," Mrs. McWeeney said. Those who volunteer can choose what they want to do.

Volunteers are needed at the Air Force Flight Test Center Museum, Airman and Family Readiness Center, Airman's Attic, Center of Excellence, Chapel, Child Development Center, Teen Center, Youth Center and many other base programs.

The program offers six hours of free daycare to parents, which is the average amount of time a person spends volunteering. "That way parents don't have to worry about what to do with their little ones while they serve in the program," Mrs. McWeeney said.

Being a volunteer isn't all give and no take.

"Volunteers get a lot of networking opportunities and they gain experience that can be added to their resumes," Mrs. McWeeney said.

"Volunteering is a great way to integrate into the Edwards community," said Linda Crump, Work Life consultant at the center. Ms. Crump believes giving is probably the greatest thing one can do and says she likes helping others, "Just because."

She said Edwards volunteers are outstanding people and says it is fitting that April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. "We can't do enough to show our appreciation to our family of volunteers."

Mrs. McWeeney said the base uses volunteers for several of its programs and businesses. "We have volunteers working at just about every program that Edwards has to offer."

It's also a way of making new friends and connecting with the community.

"I really appreciate the volunteers we have here, because they bring a lot to the table, Ms. McWeeney said.

A lot of the newer programs at Edwards were brought about because of input from volunteers.

"They often share with us what their needs are, and we act on those needs," she said.

Anyone interested in joining the Edwards volunteer force should contact Ms. Crump at (661) 277-5433. The Family Readiness Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.