By Rhonda Hutsell
Special to GUIDON

Throughout history, volunteers have played an integral role in the life of service members and their Families. In the early years of our country, volunteers mended uniforms, cared for the sick, and wounded and comforted Families of fallen service members. Today, our volunteers are found throughout the military community. Service members, civilians, retirees, spouses, and youth are providing service in schools, in hospitals, on sports fields and in many other organizations and offices. Through their dedicated service, volunteers transform military installations into communities and the Army relies on the fundamental connection between volunteerism and citizenship. Volunteerism stabilizes our Army community by contributing to cohesion, increasing self-reliance, and enhancing the well-being of our Service Members and families.

The Fort Leonard Wood Army Volunteer Corps is the central location for embracing existing volunteer programs, uniting all volunteers who support service members and Families, and formalizing the Army’s commitment to volunteerism.  The defining principle of the AVC is that all who volunteer in Army communities share a commonality of purpose to improve the well-being of service members and Families. So whether you are a Family Readiness Group volunteer, an Army Family Team Building volunteer,  medical volunteers, Family, and Morale Welfare and Recreation volunteer, unit who volunteers, or chapel volunteers, you are part of the Army Volunteer Corps, and part of a long-standing tradition — the Army volunteer.

Where Army volunteers are regulated, the AVC is there to provide needed tools and consult for support regarding any volunteer guideline or issue. The Volunteer Management Information System was developed to give the Army a real-time snapshot of volunteer activities at any given time, at any given installation. The VMIS provides all of the tools needed to record all volunteer hours, manage and track volunteers, search volunteer positions, keep track of training, and awards and much more.Tracking volunteer hours and experience is extremely important to the Army and to each individual volunteer.  Maintaining and developing skills while volunteering is crucial and can be a boost for any resume or student interest.

An increasing number of schools and universities require volunteer time for graduation and scholarships. Admission boards are looking at how an individual volunteers within their community when considering an applicant. During the summer months, students may gain an edge over their peers by volunteering in the community.

The same reasoning can be applied to those who are in competition for employment. Hiring authorities may look at key social elements to narrow down their applicants. A variety of knowledge and skills gained from volunteering can show a perspective employer potential commitment including business acumen, community interest, and leadership.

Individuals, groups, and units can all contribute to the Fort Leonard Wood community. There are many short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities available on post and in the greater Fort Leonard Wood area, all of which will have a lasting impact on cohesion, self-reliance and the well being of service members and Families.

The Army Volunteer Corps can help anyone find the perfect volunteer position. Agencies can also discover the ideal volunteer; information and ideas on how to recognize and honor volunteers; volunteer regulations and practices and more.

A variety of volunteer opportunities for Fort Leonard Wood can be found on www.myarmyonesource.com.  Stopping by the Army Community Service, Bldg. 486, and visit the Army Volunteer Corps coordinator, for additional information and a deeper breadth of volunteer opportunities.  

For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 596.0212.

(Hutsell is the Army Volunteer Corps coordinator. Sunday through April 21 is National Volunteer Week.)