To volunteer or not to volunteer? Published April 25, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Ciara M. Travis 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Selfless. Honorable. Respectable. These are just a few words that are often used when describing a volunteer. According to Kathleen Butler, American Red Cross senior station manager, volunteering has been noted as one of the most rewarding things a person can do. Luckily, the organizations of the Kaiserslautern Military Community offer hundreds of opportunities to get involved and give back to the community. Dozens of organizations cover a wide range of services, providing anything from blood donations which support local hospitals as well as servicemembers downrange, to offering travel opportunities to see some of the history-rich country that surrounds the KMC. One thing in common between these organizations is they are fueled by volunteer efforts of servicemembers and their families. Without volunteers, many organizations would have to cut their offered services or they would cease to exist. "Volunteering seems to be an American phenomenon," said Ms. Butler. "I have noticed that people from other countries seem to think we as Americans are a little 'crazy' because we work for free. I take pride in that curiosity because as Americans, no matter how tough the economic times, have a spirit which moves us to help others in need. I take much pride in being able to help facilitate this need we all have." Although this month is designated for volunteer work and recognition, volunteering year-round provides the satisfaction of knowing that hard work spent is helping somebody else in time of need. "Volunteering year-round helps keep continuity in our community," said Elizabeth Kennedy, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness technician. "When people identify your face as a 'helping individual,' it creates a positive outcome for everyone." Beginning to get involved in the volunteering community may seem intimidating, but once introduced, can become a fun hobby, she said. "The neat thing about volunteering is that it's fun and it's free," said Ms. Kennedy. "Volunteering in the KMC is great because there are so many volunteer opportunities around here. Not to mention -- volunteering really gives you the chance to get to know your community and possibly even get an employment opportunity out of it. All ages are welcome and getting started is easy." Below is a list of organizations that accept volunteers around the KMC: 86th Youth Sports Program 86th Youth Community Program Air Force Education Office Air Force Junior ROTC Air Force Sergeants Association Airman and Family Readiness Center Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving American Red Cross Blood Bank Boy Scouts Ramstein Chapel (North side) Civil Air Patrol Community Centers Fisher House German American and International Women's Club Girl Scouts Ramstein Health and Wellness Center Hospitalized Veterans at Kleber Clinic Honor Guard Mission: Serving Our Wounded Kaiserslautern High School Kaiserslautern Crisis Pregnancy Center Kaiserslautern Elementary School Kaiserslautern Middle School Key Spouse Kindergraves Memorial Foundation Kaiserslautern 5/6 Counsel Kaiserslautern Schools Liaison Office Landstuhl Elementary/Middle School Landstuhl School Age Services Landstuhl Youth Sports Libraries Mom 2 Mom Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Outdoor Recreation Postal Service Center Ramstein Airman's Attic Ramstein Elementary School Ramstein Enlisted Spouses' Association (RESA) Ramstein High School Ramstein Intermediate School Ramstein Middle School Ramstein Officer's Spouses' Club (ROSC) Ramstein Youth Sports Sembach Enlisted Spouses Association (SESA) Sembach Officer's Spouses' Association (SOSA) Sembach Youth Programs USO Veterans of Foreign Wars (POST 10614) If interested in volunteering, please contact the A&FRC at DSN 480-5100 or commercial 06371-47-5100.