I’m going to make a bold statement — one that I believe to be accurate. Our military would not run without volunteers. Period.

If you’re not sure you agree I would like to you make your way to your nearest military installation. Visit the hospital, those greeters — volunteers. The man who taught your Army Community Services class — yes, a volunteer. The woman who leads your Family Readiness Group — also a volunteer.

The question is – why do we do it? With so many people volunteering in so many ways, the individual reasons for volunteering are infinite. 

Here are my Top 10…

Meeting new people:

What I considered my best form of payment for the time given. Of course there are many other reasons besides forming friendships and hopefully you can find a few — some applicable to all volunteering and some military related only — reasons below that fit into your definition of why you do or would want to volunteer

You’re passionate about the cause:

It could be that you want to empower military families through teaching a course on a certain topic. Maybe you just lost a loved one from a disease and want to educate or keep others from suffering the same fate. You could have a passion for animals, fitness, etc.

Professional resume and personal reference benefits 

Many employers and schools look favorably on volunteer experience and devotion to duty. You can meet professionals in the field you wish to work that will give you valuable references when it comes to employment time. Plus, you can test out a career and see if it’s a good fit for you.

Use existing skills in a productive way and develop new skills:

Are you a good organizer of files but you desire to learn more about Microsoft Office? Volunteering in an office and showing some desire to learn can gain you new skills while using the ones you already possess in a productive manner.

Find a purpose and feel involved:

There is nothing like feeling that you are part of something bigger than yourself.

Free admission and benefits:

Volunteering at events like concerts and family fairs typically yield free admission for yourself and your family members. Who doesn’t like to save money?

Trips and tours:

Volunteering on the installation can allow you to be chosen for all-expense paid trips to represent our military community.

Volunteers simply make a difference:

Every person, every hour, every smile…counts! 

Provide people power/resources to a cause:

Volunteering provides valuable community services so more money can be spent on organizational/cause related improvements.

The estimated value of a volunteer’s time is $29.95 per hour!!

Your very own special reason:

Remember that the motivations you have to select the place to offer your services may not be the reasons why you stay.

Once you’re on the volunteer job, you will continue to serve as long as you feel that your efforts are accomplishing something, that your talents are appreciated, you love the people, and that you have a positive impact on that organization.

Written By: Sarah Otto

Sarah  is the 2017 and 2018 NSF Dahlgren Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year and has spent over 2 decades advocating for our Military & their Families. Sarah and her husband are natives of Jefferson City, Missouri but made Virginia home in 2011.  Her husband, Jay, is a US Navy Veteran who retired in 2018 after over 21 years Active Duty.  They have 3 (adult) children, a granddaughter, 2 furbabies, and 2 goats.  Sarah believes that the strength of a family, like the strength of our Military, is in its loyalty to each other.

*You can reach Sarah or learn more about the Ohana Homefront Organization here: info@ohanahomefront.org  /www.OHFCounseling.org / www.OhanaHomefront.org

*Find more articles by the M:M Expert Cadre HERE.