Volunteers honored at reception

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Team Osan celebrated Volunteer Recognition Week with a kick-off volunteer reception at the Officers' Club today.

Each base agency recognized their volunteers with displays and each registered Team Osan volunteer received a gift. However, the volunteers are the ones who gave the biggest gift to the community: themselves.

"Volunteering is giving of yourself to others without expecting anything in return," said Mrs. Sherri Kitchens, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness technician. "It will cost you your time, and of course our time is a precious gift to give someone."

Besides the displays and gifts, the reception also featured a performance by the Osan Elementary School Jazz singers and a slide show presentation put together by 5th graders at Osan Elementary School. The slide show highlighted Osan's volunteers "in action" this past year.

"The students have worked very hard to put the presentation together to show their thanks and gratitude for all those who volunteer at the elementary school and in the community," said Mrs. Kitchens.

Whether they're working on base or in the local community, volunteers are an indispensable asset, she said.

"When we extend a helping hand at a local orphanage, assist a local priest in building his church, or teach conversational English to nurses at the university, we are loving (our neighbors) by giving of our time and talents," said Mrs. Kitchens. "It shows that we care about them and want to know them better."

Team Osan had almost 1600 volunteers contribute more than 102,000 hours in 2006. They saved the base more than $1.8 million.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Mrs. Kitchens at DSN 784-5440.