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Volunteers: The Heart of the Benelux Community

BRUSSELS -- Volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of service members and families. They assist people in recreation programs, schools, hospitals and other settings. They greet newcomers, help with deployments and offer many additional services.

In FY18, there were more than 108,000 volunteers registered in the Army’s Volunteer Information Management System, or VMIS, and they logged approximately 1.12 million hours worldwide.

Sandy Arvay, Army volunteer coordinator at U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, said volunteers in this area use their unique talents and skills to provide invaluable assistance at the SHAPE Health Clinic and schools, to assist non-profit organizations and to extend the capacity of garrison staff.

“In Benelux, there are approximately 1,600 volunteers including up to 400 who help with special events,” added Arvay.

Wallace Turner, Army Community Service specialist in Brussels, stated that volunteer groups making a difference in Brussels include the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, NATO Joint Top 3 Association, American Legion, Consignment Shop, Brussels American School Boosters, Parent Teacher Student Organization and the Chapel.

“Volunteer groups are behind the scenes organizing events that foster community involvement. They also raise funds to provide scholarships for military family members,” said Turner.

THE FORCE BEHIND THE FORCE

Volunteers build readiness by being the force behind the force. Volunteer activities encompass almost every area of operations at the garrison extending manpower and helping the community stay mission ready.

The value of their service cannot be overstated. Arvay said funding is scarce and volunteers triple the number of staff that make popular festivities such as the Fourth of July Celebration and Spooky Bash possible. These events are important, because they provide an opportunity for people to connect and can bring a feeling of home while serving at a foreign duty station.

Sports leagues and fitness activities are also made possible by volunteers who serve as coaches, referees and fitness instructors. Their dedicated service provides opportunities for wellness and stress relief in Benelux.

There are benefits that come with committed service. Individuals volunteer for many reasons such as showing their appreciation to service members, finding a niche in the community or helping others in need.

In the Benelux, volunteer positions help keep community members, including military spouses, skills up to date, provide consistent employment histories and provide credit hours for service required by some schools. Volunteers also benefit from their service through exposure to various opportunities, resources and tools for success, which can develop and enhance their career mobility and promote a lifelong commitment to service.

LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Army observes Volunteer Appreciation Week each year to recognize service those who selflessly volunteer their time to the Army community. This year, the official observance will be held April 7 to 13.

Volunteers will be honored at formal recognition ceremonies across Benelux. In the SHAPE/Chièvres community, the ceremony will April 4 at the Chièvres Air Base Bldg. 5 (Garrison Headquarters) Auditorium. Schinnen and Brussels ceremony dates will be announced on the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s website.

To support and foster volunteerism, the Army Volunteer Corps, managed by Army Community Service, staff help volunteers identify service opportunities, log service hours and receive support and guidance. For more information about service opportunities, contact the Army Volunteer Program manager at DSN 366-6833 or +32(0)65-32-6833.

Volunteer information can also be found on the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux's website.

Story by Cyndi Juarez, USAG Benelux Public Affairs