JONIT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Several volunteer organizations participated in Joint Base Charleston's Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon April 15, 2016, at the Balfour Beatty Community Center on JB Charleston - Weapons Station, S.C. including the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Fleet and Family Support Center, American Red Cross and Navy Wives Club of America.
Leading the event was Erin Deville-Brown, volunteer coordinator.
"It's important to recognize our volunteers for their hard work and dedication to our community," said Deville-Brown. "This week is theirs."
During the luncheon, volunteers were presented with certificates of appreciation from special guests Col. Robert Lyman, JB Charleston commander and Navy Capt. Tim Sparks, JB Charleston deputy commander.
Lyman and Sparks both emphasized how important the volunteers are and thanked them for their selfless service to JB Charleston.
According to Deville-Brown, JB Charleston's volunteer services and programs support the military lifestyle and community.
"Our volunteers offers support for the staff by supplying services such as administrative work," said Deville-Brown. "They're interviewed to match their skills with volunteer needs and through various opportunities, they hone their existing skills as well as develop new ones. It's a great way to meet new people, learn about the area and offer help."
Most of the volunteers are spouses of JB Charleston's active-duty personnel according to Deville-Brown.
"We are pleased, although their time with us is short, they have been exposed to and take advantage of available resources to achieve an ultimate goal," said Deville-Brown. According to Deville-Brown, the volunteer organizations work closely with active-duty volunteers (those who offer their time after required military hours). They assist a variety of programs that participate in different events.
Deville-Brown mentioned that volunteering can be humbling but it can also be a fulfilling life experience.
"Life is a wonderful journey and you never know where it will take you," said Deville-Brown. "Volunteering can help on that journey and our volunteers can be more than a passive traveler!"