JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
When it comes to volunteering for a cause, the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland First Sergeants Council is ready, willing and able.
Whether it's Airmen and their families or the Lackland and San Antonio communities, the council serves others through its quarterly community outreach program.
The afternoon of May 12 was no exception for Lackland's first sergeants as 60 volunteers assisted in all facets of the San Antonio area Special Olympics spring games at Harlandale Memorial Stadium.
"Everywhere you went you'd see a first sergeant," said Master Sgt. Jamie Williams, 342nd Training Squadron first sergeant. Williams and Master Sgt. Darrell Harmon, 59th Dental Group first sergeant, coordinated the council's participation.
Originally committed to 50 volunteers, Williams said the numbers swelled to 60 when some first shirts brought their spouse or an older child. Lackland had the largest group of volunteers at the games.
"As soon as we put the word out about Special Olympics, there was no problem with people stepping up," Williams said. "What we heard most was, 'I want to find a way to clear my schedule so I can participate.'
"There were people who told us that they couldn't be out there all afternoon but could volunteer for an hour. We tried to find something to match their time."
Williams, who opted to be at the Special Olympics Saturday instead of attending her college graduation ceremony, described working at the event as both rewarding and humbling.
"Every day you can wake up and put your pants on, or every day you can put your shirt on, or every day you can walk down the street," said Williams. "Some of these athletes need help putting on their pants, or they need help to walk down the street. It's humbling because you easily take for granted the things you do every single, solitary day where someone who has special needs might not be able to do it without assistance."
Master Sgt. Marie Takeshita, 59th Medical Operations Group first sergeant, agreed.
"It's very humbling because you can see how much enthusiasm, drive and passion the athletes have," said Takeshita, a Special Olympics volunteer in the past. "There's also the sense of innocence they have - it's amazing."