Volunteer opportunities available across base Published Sept. 24, 2015 By Kimberly Woodruff Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- "I love to help people," said Susie Pacheo, a volunteer with the Airman's Attic at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "I love volunteering here. Everyone makes me feel welcome, like family." Volunteering comes down to service before self, one of the Air Force core values. "Ms. Pacheo is a great asset to the A&FRC," said Will Beary, a community readiness specialist with the Airman and Family Readiness Center, adding that she is also a great recruiter of other volunteers. Mr. Beary said community service helps to mold Airmen (active duty and civilian) and gives them a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Volunteering is a way of giving back to the community and showing appreciation. "I'm excited to get Airmen involved," said Mr. Beary. "I know a lot of Airmen who want to [be promoted] below the zone, and one thing that gets looked at is community involvement, so I think that will motivate them." Andrea Perkins, lead community readiness specialist, said volunteering could give a person a way of doing something they love. "Military are in their job because of an aptitude test, but they might not love what they do," she said. "Volunteering is another way to do something they enjoy, and reward themselves with a sense of purpose." There are many volunteer opportunities at Tinker including helping out at the A&FRC in the Food Pantry or Airman's Attic, the youth center as sports coaches, base chapel and latte lounge, fitness centers as instructors, front desk, or special events, the retiree office, health and promotion, the sexual assault and prevention office as a victim advocate, community support and resiliency training and much more. There hasn't been a dedicated person to handle the volunteer program until now. Mr. Beary said the full program is still in its infancy, but the plan is for A&FRC to be a central location for coordinating any volunteer opportunities that come up on the base. The website, www.tinker.af.mil/volunteering.asp is a great place to start and see all the opportunities available on Tinker. The Volunteer Resource Program enhances volunteerism by creating a central base resource for volunteer recruitment, training and recognition. Recognition, recruitment and training opportunities are provided for volunteers and volunteer administrators. Additionally, there is an annual recognition and presentation of the Air Force Volunteer Excellence Award and the Angel Award. For more information on these awards, call the A&FRC at 739-2747 or email 72FSS.FSFR.VolunteerCoord@us.af.mil. The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes United States citizens and lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States who have achieved the required number of hours of service over a 12-month time period - or cumulative hours over 4,000 over the course of a lifetime. For information on this award, visit http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/faq#faq01. Volunteer times and dates vary based on open slots available with organizations listed. All active duty and civilian volunteers must coordinate with a supervisor if volunteering during duty hours. "We'll be able to discuss options with the volunteer and find the perfect fit for them," said Mr. Beary. Volunteers have served 7,000 hours this year in the clinic pharmacy, DEERS/ID card office, the retiree affairs office and Space-A travel in support of the military mission, according to retired Chief Master Sgt. Lorraine Caddy from the RAO, adding that it releases active members to better perform within their specialty and saves thousands of dollars that would be paid for civilian hires. "I spent 20 years of active military service and always appreciated those who were willing to help the mission," said Chief Caddy. "My feeling is we need to 'find the time' to 'keep serving' our military -- give back some of what we enjoy." Tinker Youth Center Director Mindy Whittington said there are some volunteer opportunities with the Youth Center, though anytime you work with children, there are extensive background checks. "We can always use coaches to teach the children how to play sports," said Ms. Whittington. "Also, Halloween and the United Way Day of Caring (Oct. 2) need volunteers to help out." For more information how you can volunteer, call Mr. Beary at 739-2747.