Eielson volunteer reaches 400 hours

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Volunteers are a hot commodity, donating their time and energy to various Eielson organizations throughout the year.

Heather Laca, 354th Fighter Wing Chapel Services Catholic coordinator, was recognized in October after completing more than 400 volunteer hours from January to September.

Laca's contributions, in addition to the more than 2,100 volunteers on base, have accumulated more than 21,500 volunteer hours this year. Laca volunteers at the thrift shop, Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Eielson Officer Spouses Club and the Eielson Enlisted Spouses Club for Heartlink.

Volunteer hours are tracked by the AFRC. When volunteers reach 100, 200 and 400 hours, they are thanked with certificates of appreciation and small gifts to let them know the work they are doing does not go unnoticed.

"There should be some recognition, even if their reason for volunteering is for the enjoyment of helping," said Kevin Francesco, 354th Force Support Squadron community readiness technician.

For Laca, her thanks came in the form of a coin from Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Moore, 354th Fighter Wing command chief.

After arriving at Eielson, Laca became very active in the community, working 15 to 20 hours a week.

"When I first started volunteering it was to get to know the community," said Laca. "But now I just love everybody that works there. It's gotten to the point that volunteering is a form of entertainment because I'm hanging out with friends and staying busy."

People have different ideas of what valuable volunteering includes, but whether their contribution is big or small the volunteers make a difference.

"Without volunteers, some services would close their doors because it's not a paid position," said Francesco. "(Those positions) get filled because people are willing to help."

At the AFRC, Laca puts together sponsorship and financial packages, updates the first system with current deployed members and helps with the deployed Eielson Enlisted Spouses Club family social. At the thrift shop, Laca helps with sorting, working at the cash register and putting items on the sales floor for customers.

"Part of my motivation is helping to take care of the community because the community is like family; so it's like taking care of family members," said Laca.

Giving time as a volunteer can offer a good way to stay upbeat and happy during the winter months.

"People say there's nothing to do here, but there's so much to do," said Laca. "When October hits that's when events really start to pick up like deployed family socials and the Fall Festival."

She anticipates volunteering for the upcoming cookie crunch.
According to Francesco, the work someone does while they volunteer speaks volumes about them.

"Laca always has a smile and is eager to help," he added. "People gravitate to people like that; she's someone you want to be around. There's a lot that she does that contributes to the community."