Volunteering has played an integral role throughout military history in the lives of soldiers, airmen, Marines, sailors, and Coast Guardsmen. Early on, soldiers were the recipients of volunteer efforts, in the form of mended uniforms, care for their wounds, and comfort for their families when they fell. Today, as often as they are the recipients, active duty and reserve military members, Department of Defense civilian employees, retirees, their spouses and children are volunteers – in schools, hospitals, sports activities, retirement centers, churches, community service projects – anywhere they’re needed. Through their dedication, they not only transform military installations into communities, but also become very active members of their communities outside the gates.

Department of Defense (DoD) family centers have served as the focal point for military families for over 25 years ago. “Family centers” identifies Army Community Service Centers, Navy and Marine Corps Fleet and Family Service Centers, and Air Force Family Support Centers -- the places to go when military members and their families need assistance with the unique demands of the military lifestyle. Their support programs keep family and military members informed and provide support when necessary, always encouraging self-sufficiency. A primary focus has always been volunteerism.

Not every local community takes maximum advantage of the willing, talented, and active men, women, and youth living and working just inside the base or post gates. Often that is simply because community organizations and agencies are not aware of the existence of volunteer resource offices. Each branch of the service may call their program by a different name, but the overriding mission is always the same – service to their communities, on and off duty, on and off the installation.

The Army encourages a culture of service and citizenship by offering a wide range of volunteer opportunities through their Army Community Service (ACS) Centers. Typically the ACS has over 10,000 volunteers who contribute approximately 500,000 hours of service annually. Most ACS staffs have a volunteer supervisor who can help your agency or community find a great fit for your volunteer needs.

Even though the Marines are America’s most deployed force, they are well known for their off-duty volunteer activities, many coordinated through the Marine Corps Community Services. One of America’s best-known volunteer activities, Toys for Tots is sponsored by the Marine Corps Reserves and annually benefits military and community children.

The Navy’s Fleet and Family Service Centers provide meaningful volunteer opportunities, from on-base youth coaching to participation in the Adopt-A-School Program. Adopt-A-School began as a grassroots effort that has developed into a true partnership between community schools and the Navy and Marine Corps. Sailors and Marines make a huge difference in numerous ways through this program, from summer reading to mentoring youth.Although many volunteer at their own child’s school, there are also many volunteers who do not have children but treat this volunteer opportunity as an investment in America’s future .

Since the early 1980’s, Air Force Family Support Centers have helped maintain a diverse system of support functions, including a Volunteer Resource Program. Though the program emphasizes personal development through community involvement, it can also provide volunteer opportunities suited to professional development for spouses seeking new or updated work-related experience. Like its sister services, the Air Force recognizes the importance of its volunteers by offering volunteers a number of free childcare hours at its on-base facilities.

Like thousands of other volunteers, the unselfish efforts of those associated with the military touch lives and inspire hearts across America. They carry their military excellence and volunteer spirit into communities around the world, wherever they are serving.

Check out http://www.military.com for a list of military installations near your community. Call the family center and find out if you can enlist more than “a few good” volunteers!