Fair rakes in volunteers for non-profit organizations Published May 22, 2014 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- More than 540 volunteers signed up with 27 non-profit organizations in the community at the Volunteer Fair May 21 at the Carswell Field House here. Service members here assist San Angelo with a variety of community involvement opportunities, but many organizations need recurring volunteers to support an assortment of associations from delivering food to the elderly to assisting with animal adoption. "Every Airman in the Air Force is encouraged, as part of the 'whole person' concept, to get involved in the community and to give back," said Master Sgt. Robert A. Miller, 315th Training Squadron Intelligence Officer Course flight chief and Volunteer Fair committee chairperson. "Sometimes, it can be a challenge to find volunteer opportunities that you can be passionate about." Holding the volunteer event on base was a chance to bring non-profit organizations directly to service members. "It's bringing everybody to one place--agencies that need help and people looking to volunteer within the community," said Col. Kimberlee P. Joos, 17th Training Wing Commander. "In one day, base personnel and dependents can find a variety of volunteer opportunities in one location." All of the non-profit organizations at the event recruited new volunteers including four members interested in becoming foster parents. "I think the event went well," said Sandra S. Elliott, Tom Green County Crisis Intervention Unit assistant coordinator. "We talked to a lot of people, and they signed up to volunteer or at least wanted more information. Elliott represents non-profit organization personnel who are interested in the continuation of the event. "Any time we are invited back, we will be there," she said. The Volunteer Fair is planned to occur twice a year around Wingman Day. Volunteer opportunities can also be found on the Goodfellow website under the "Volunteer Opportunities" page. Angelo State University also has a volunteer opportunities page, and the Airman and Family Readiness Center maintains a list of volunteer opportunities in the community. The AFRC can be contacted at 325-654-3893.
