Photo By Staff Sgt. Derrol Fulghum | Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Yernando Chipimarq, ship's serviceman, with the Navy...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Ideally, few in uniform work their magic to gain personal recognition. However, any military member will admit it's nice to get a pat on the back or another ribbon for the ribbon rack.
One of those awards that might not pop into someone's head is the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. And service is probably at the core of why many people joined the military — to give back to their community.
In that spirit, the MOVSM is not as difficult to earn as one might think. If philanthropy isn't reason enough to start volunteering, then consider the more tangible benefits: positive evaluation points and a chance to earn the MOVSM.
From the Salvation Army to the Special Olympics with thousands of charities between, volunteerism has made the world a better place. Humanitarians dedicate countless hours to helping those less fortunate.
Joint Task Force Guantanamo has several volunteer opportunities available to service members that fit many different schedules. By giving back to the community, service members enhance the quality of life for everyone around them, which positively affects the volunteers as well.
"When JTF [service members] and other personnel volunteer their time and abilities, it helps foster a sense of community," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Fowler, Joint Detention Group command sergeant major. "Everyone profits from it, whether you're assigned to the island as part of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, or a tenant unit occupying naval station space and sharing resources."
With Guantanamo Bay being 45 square miles, service members might find themselves looking for ways to occupy time.
"Being stationed in such an isolated duty station, volunteering is a great chance to get out," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Williams, a master at arms and volunteer coordinator for the Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion.
Williams actively coordinates events for the local Girl Scouts, W.T. Sampson Elementary and High schools, and the local Parent Teacher Association.
Williams tries to organize at least one event every month, such as cleaning up school grounds and local beaches.
"[Volunteering] keeps us out of a 'rut' that so many of us [fall into] during long deployments," Williams said.
| Date Taken: | 03.12.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 04.13.2010 11:39 |
| Story ID: | 48079 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 253 |
| Downloads: | 166 |
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