JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
When children first learn to walk, they tend to get into many things they are not allowed to. One Charleston baby proves this statement totally untrue.
Following in his parents' footsteps, two-year-old Garrett Carson instead volunteers his time at the Airman and Family Readiness Center working in the Airman's Attic for at least two hours a week.
Senior Airman Grant Carson, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical environmental systems journeyman, and Diana Carson are the proud parents of Garrett and have been volunteering at the Airman and Family Readiness Center for more than two years. It was not long after Garret reached the age of three months when he began his career in volunteerism.
Col. Martha Meeker, 628th Joint Base Charleston commander, recently made a proclamation April 1, 2010 declaring the week April 18 through 24 as Volunteer Appreciation Week on Joint Base Charleston. In this proclamation, the commander urges her fellow citizens to volunteer and "light the way" of their communities.
So far this year, the Carson family has donated 125 hours of their time to help Airmen and their families at the Airman's Attic.
"I grew up volunteering my whole life and believe that it is good to give back to the community what it gives to you," said Mrs. Carson. "When Grant joined the military, he said that it was good for spouses to become involved and said spouses who are home all the time will not get any interaction on the base. Volunteering has helped build a social atmosphere with spouses around the base and I have made a couple of good friends from working here."
Mrs. Carson became a stay-at-home mom following the birth of their son and has been volunteering at the Airman and Family Readiness Center ever since. Mrs. Carson is very reliable and also fills in for one of the full-time employees whenever she takes leave or is out of the office. She started bringing Garrett into volunteer with her to open up doors for him.
"Garrett helps out all the time," explained Mrs. Carson. "He literally helps test out the toys, puts them away and also is great with any of the children from around base who come wondering into the Airman's Attic needing help."
Garrett is not the only hard worker in the attic though. His parents answer phone calls, direct people to the proper offices if they need help with a personal situation and put together newcomer's tour packets and sponsor packets. In addition, they also help supply food products and answer any questions Airmen or their spouses have about the base or the Charleston area.
According to Mrs. Elsa Summers, this appreciation was the least the Airman and Family Readiness Center could do for the Carson's. A lot of families with young children cannot get out to volunteer, but the Carson's always go above and beyond whenever working with us at the Airman's Attic.
"The Carson's are your typical busy, young military couple - juggling work, family and the demands of the military service," said Mrs. Elsa Summers, the Airman and Family Readiness community readiness consultant. "What sets them apart is that in spite of all they have going on, they still make the time to volunteer and give back to the community and do so as a family. They are great role models for other young Airmen."
With the week of April 18 through 24 being declared Volunteer Appreciation Week, the Airman and Family Readiness Center gave the Carson family a special T-shirt created for their youngest volunteer, Garrett. The T-shirt reads, "Youngest Volunteer of the Year 2010" and the family is overjoyed with the appreciation they are receiving from the Airman and Family Readiness Center.
"We are very overwhelmed and excited," said Airman Carson. "He is not just a volunteer here ... he plays with the children, he gets a lot of positive attention from individuals around the building and they help guide him throughout his visit. Every good deed does not go unnoticed."
The Airman's Attic is a non-profit charity that provides house supplies, clothing and food for Airmen at a time of need. For more information, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 963-4406.