The gift of time Published Feb. 25, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Gloria Wilson 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Many people equate times of giving with holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, but there are people who give to Eielson all year round. What they give doesn't come in a box or a gift bag with a pretty bow, but it still is appreciated and could still be considered a gift. They give their time through volunteering and the Airman and Family Readiness Center oversees the volunteer program. Richard Hageman, Community Readiness Technician, started working at the AFRC and then became part of Eielson's Volunteer Resource Program. The VRP advertises base and local community volunteer opportunities and tracks the work and hours people donate each month. "Eielson personnel typically report over 1,000 hours of volunteer time per month and we know there is a great amount of volunteering that takes place without being reported," said Mr. Hageman. "Since I've been a part of Airman and Family Readiness Center, I've gotten a glimpse of the generosity of our community, resulting in a greater level of appreciation for our base, Airmen, dependents, and civilians that live and work here." While volunteering within itself is a great thing there is a benefit to reporting to the VRP. "Reporting your hours will result in a documented source to record your time, experience, and training which can be used on a job resume, appraisal report, award submission, and possibly more," said Mr. Hageman. "Additionally, individuals can be selected as a volunteer of the month and/or build towards a bronze, silver, or gold medal volunteer award." There are five outstanding volunteers of the month and also bronze, silver, or gold volunteer awards which are presented upon completion of 75, 150, and more than 250 hours respectively. Mr. Hageman said that the faster people report their hours the faster the turnaround can be--ensuring personnel receive recognition. The Polar Press will start placing monthly volunteers in the paper as well as bronze, silver, or gold medal winners as people achieve each milestone. "Volunteers provide the labor, talent, and commitment needed to fuel vital safety, service, mentoring, and outreach programs," said Mr. Hageman. "What they do is important and seeing so many people assisting others helps me appreciate our community." Some of the programs that people have volunteered for include: Airman Against Drunk Driving, Airman's Attic, American Red Cross, Anderson Elementary School, ASYMCA, Ben Eielson Junior and Senior High School, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, Eielson and local chapels, Crawford Elementary School, Fairbanks Food Bank, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Girl Scouts, Eielson's Thrift Store, TRACKS, Eielson's Youth Center, and youth sports. January's Volunteers of the month are: -Airman 1st Class Joshua Powell -Staff Sgt. Victoria Thornton -Rachel Critchfield -Kerry Lewis -Stephanie Barker Be sure to look for more outstanding volunteers in future Polar Press editions. For more information on volunteer opportunities or to report volunteer service, call the AFRC at 377-2178 or e-mail richard.hageman@eielson.af.mil.