FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
For many, volunteering builds trust, creates the feeling of belonging and fosters a sense of caring.
Volunteers dedicate time, energy and support to make sure many programs and organizations get the help needed for success.
Fort Eustis currently boasts more than 1,600 registered volunteers. With more than 31 different organizations, opportunities for Service members or family members to lend time or a helping hand are abundant.
According to Donna Cloy, 733rd Mission Support Group Army Volunteer Corps coordinator, volunteering can help ease the burden of constant change in the military, and important because of the impact it can have on others. In 2012, Fort Eustis volunteers contributed approximately 64,000 hours toward making the community better, representing a savings of more than $1.5 million to the installation.
Volunteering is something Cloy has long had a passion for.
"Volunteering is one of the first things I did when my husband joined the military," said Cloy. "I got tired of sitting in the house, so I went to the Army Community Service [ACS]."
As the AVC coordinator, Cloy assists people in finding the right volunteer opportunity on the installation. She also ensures these individuals attend volunteer orientation and register in the Volunteer Management Information System, an Army-wide system used to track volunteer hours, training and awards.
During orientation, volunteers learn where help is needed, and are placed in the most appropriate position. Not only do volunteers support the mission in a variety of capacities, but their efforts provide a chance to gain work experience while helping others, said Christy Silva, Fort Eustis volunteer and wife of U.S. Army Capt. Joel Silva, 99th Movement Control Team commanding officer.
"Volunteering is important because we can give insight that others may not have," said Silva. "It helps us feel a sense of accomplishment knowing we helped a Soldier or family member."
For more information on volunteering, contact the Army Volunteer Corps at 878-3129, or visit www.eustismwr.com.