A&FRC honors volunteers

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 10 through 16, Vandenberg’s Airman and Family Readiness Center is highlighting one volunteer each week for the month of April. At the end of the month the A&FRC hosts a recruitment event to recognize volunteers and highlight different volunteer opportunities on and off base. (Courtesy photo)

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A&FRC honors volunteers

Published April 14, 2016
By Senior Airman Kyla Gifford

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 10 through 16, Vandenberg's Airman and Family Readiness Center is highlighting one volunteer each week for the month of April.

Although typically only a week long recognition, the A&FRC dedicates the whole month to volunteer appreciation.

"April is an opportunity to bring awareness to the contributions of volunteers and to encourage more people to donate their time to local, national, or global causes," said Caron Brown, 30th Force Support Squadron A&FRC's volunteer program coordinator. "We are trying to highlight different volunteer opportunities to relay to the base community that there are so many ways to get involved, but also to show our volunteers how much they are appreciated."

Brown honors a volunteer each week by writing an article highlighting each individual and giving small gifts of appreciation.

"This small recognition is just one way we are able to acknowledge the efforts and commitment our volunteers have provided," said Brown. "Our volunteers, especially those who aid in customer service, administrative and logistical support allow program managers to offer more detailed unit or individual services. They free us to meet with more clients, they greet customers with friendly faces and they are a wealth of information."

Many volunteers are bridging the gap between training, such as 2nd Lt. Bridgett Rebbeck, 532nd Training Squadron missiles student on casual student status since January. Rebbeck is responsible for many administrative duties at the A&FRC while she waits for classes to begin.

"I don't come from a military background, so it's really helpful to be here and see the different resources that are available to Airmen and their families," said Rebbeck. "I really like that the A&FRC is bringing attention to volunteers. I used to think volunteering was primarily for a bullet on a performance report, but now I really see how volunteering helps the community."

At the end of the month the A&FRC hosts a recruitment event to recognize volunteers and highlight different volunteer opportunities on and off base. Agencies such as the Airman's Attic, Thrift Store, Big Brother and Big Sister, and the Boys and Girls Club, are available to meet with the Vandenberg community.

"The overall volunteer program is an opportunity for the Vandenberg community to give back," said Brown. "I don't think people realize how much their volunteers give to our community. They are very intricate in making it feel more welcoming and allowing us to provide the resources and information, so we can do our job a bit better."

For more information on how to volunteer, please contact the A&FRC at 805-606-0039.