Goodfellow hosts volunteer fair Published Oct. 17, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Erica Rodriguez 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas- -- The 17th Training Wing hosted a volunteer fair at the Carswell Fitness Center during Wingman Day here Oct. 9. The fair featured 43 different non-profit organizations seeking volunteers. "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 Miller, Volunteer Fair Committee chairperson. "Sometimes, it can be a challenge to find volunteer opportunities that you can be passionate about. The Volunteer Fair is a way to bring the Airmen on Goodfellow and the non-profit organizations in the community together in one place." Airmen are encouraged to volunteer in and support the local community to promote a whole person concept and present a positive Air Force image while helping those around them. "There are families in real need in our community and there are folks on this base that want to help," said Miller. "If we put the non-profit organizations and volunteers together in one room, lives will be changed for the better. I think that we, as leaders, have a responsibility to utilize every means possible to develop our Airmen into the community conscious leaders we need them to be. And during that process, we hope to make lives better." The fair featured non-profit organizations, ranging anywhere from those that specialize in helping victims of abuse to caring for elder citizens, to building homes for those in need and more, that set up booths where attendees could sign up to be updated on volunteer opportunities. "The folks who worked the booths were able to bring a face, a story, and personal experience to the Airmen interested in volunteering for their cause," said Miller. "It really brought the need home to a lot of folks." This volunteer fair had a total of 1009 attendees and a collective of 760 signatures. The volunteer fair is planned to occur twice a year, during each Wingman Day of the year. Volunteer opportunities can also be found on the Goodfellow webpage under the "Volunteer Opportunities" page, the 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.
