AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Volunteering at Aviano Air Base is as easy as reaching out to the Airman & Family Readiness Center. The Volunteer Program on base provides service to others, builds or maintains skill sets, expands networking opportunities, and can be personally rewarding.
“The base-wide Volunteer Program is designed to connect service members, spouses, and other family members with volunteer agencies that are ready to recruit, train, place and recognize volunteer services,” said Samuel Child, 31st Force Support Squadron community readiness specialist.
Child has been steadily involved with the Volunteer Program for 17 months, but he also has help through the A&FRC.
Child said, “All counselors at the A&FRC can assist with the Volunteer Program. The Volunteer Program, like so many other programs within the A&FRC, requires a team effort to maintain and ensure customer and family needs are being met.”
Agencies or base programs that are in need of volunteers can reach out to the A&FRC for assistance.
“The A&FRC can put those requests onto the 31st FSS website,” said Child. “Aviano has no shortage of volunteers but often a shortage of locations or agencies seeking volunteers.”
Additionally, the A&FRC hosts a volunteer orientation every month. This orientation is meant to inform those wishing to give their time back to the Aviano AB community of the benefits and resources that are offered to them.
Child said, “Volunteering at Aviano helps maintain and improve mission readiness, as well as providing volunteers with a sense of accomplishment.”
To get involved with the Volunteer Program or if your agency needs volunteers, please contact Mr. Child at the A&FRC by phone at 632-5407 or email: samuel.child@us.af.mil. You can also find a list of volunteer opportunities on the 31st FSS website, www.31fss.com , under the ‘Volunteering Opportunities’ tab.