JBSA-Randolph, Texas –
Volunteers play a pivotal role at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, providing the equivalent of about $3 million in services annually.
Volunteers can be found at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the 359th Medical Group, the Randolph Chapel, Air Education and Training Command, flying training squadrons and many other locations, performing duties that are vital to the success of those missions.
The process begins at the A&FRC, where prospective volunteers are interviewed, Criselda Smith, 902nd Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant, said.
"We find out their interests and try to match them to organizations on base," she said. "Once they become volunteers, it's a good opportunity to present their skills and meet people in the community."
Volunteers at the A&FRC perform a variety of duties that keep the center's programs running smoothly, Smith said.
"We're really lucky we have people who take the time to take care of our Airmen and families," she said. "They make Randolph work on a day-to-day basis."
Examples of their duties are assisting with the relocation loan locker, creating packets for programs and classes, and helping with programs such as Operation Families Learning About Global Support, Hearts Apart, Heart Link and Key Spouse.
A large contingent of volunteers will be required for the A&FRC's upcoming Operations FLAGS, which will educate children at Randolph Elementary School about the deployment process, Smith said.
Organizations that also rely heavily on volunteers include the Randolph Chapel and the 359th MDG. Chapel volunteers serve as receptionists, religious education teachers, lectors and many other roles. Volunteers at the medical group work in the pharmacies and other areas of the clinic.
"The chapel had the most volunteer hours in 2012, with about 19,000 hours," Smith said.
Ana Bransford, Randolph Chapel volunteer coordinator, said the chapel requires volunteers to meet the majority of its needs.
"If we didn't have volunteers, the chapel wouldn't run," she said. "It's based on the work of volunteers. Ninety-five percent of the people who work here are volunteers."
Another important function of volunteers is to provide services during emergencies such as natural disasters, Smith said.
"We prepare them for emergency family assistance center operations," she said. "That's what the Airman and Family Readiness Center turns into during times of emergency. We can't do it without volunteers."
Volunteers are a diverse group, from teenagers and military spouses to retirees, Smith said. They're also always in demand because turnover is frequent; many are able to transfer their skills into full-time jobs.
This month, Randolph will honor its volunteers during the annual Volunteer Excellence Award ceremony set for 2 p.m. April 23 at the Kendrick Club. Col. Christine Erlewine, 902nd Mission Support Group commander, will present the awards.
"We'll honor the top four Randolph volunteers, and one of them will be named Volunteer of the Year," Smith said.
In addition, each organization will receive a certificate of appreciation.
"We have a lot of programs that support our families, and we need volunteers to work behind the scenes," Smith said.