Another successful Day of Caring

  • Published
  • By Airman Cortney Paxton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Selfless volunteers filled the parking lot of the Great Falls Post Office the morning of Oct. 14 in support of this year's Day of Caring.

The Day of Caring, as a part of the Combined Federal Campaign, allows federal employees and military personnel another opportunity to give back to the community by doing various yard work and household projects for community members unable to complete them.

"A majority of it is yard work," said Nancy Donovan, secretary to the postmaster. "Raking leaves, cleaning windows and a little bit of gutters; some tree trimming but also some light house work like vacuuming, dusting and changing light bulbs; things that are harder for the elderly to do. We have a lot of jobs and a lot of opportunities, so it's nice to give back and show a little appreciation."

The Day of Caring has always been a great success in the Great Falls community and this year was no exception.

"This year we had an overwhelming amount (of volunteers) compared to last year," said Master Sgt. Jason Halvari, 341st Maintenance Operations Squadron NCO in charge of MAPS. "Last year we had around 150 and this year we had well over 250 people, with a combination of Malmstrom and the guard together."

Malmstrom personnel filled most of the volunteer slots while other members from the Montana Air National Guard and federal employee positions showed up to give a helping hand. The work in the yards of various community members wasn't done without a little dirt on their hands and smiles on their faces.

"It's more of a personal thing for me; it's good to have a bullet here and there, but I just really like helping anyone," said Airman 1st Class Tracy Wetzel, 819th RED HORSE Squadron dirt boy. "I just get the personal satisfaction that I can't get anywhere else."

"To be honest, I love my community," said Airman 1st Class David Byrd, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron security escort team leader. "I may not be from around here, but I like to help out with anything and anybody. I've volunteered all my life and I just feel like its right to give back to the community for all they do for us."

Most volunteers showed up in groups of friends or coworkers, but there were also people who signed up alone looking for a group to participate with.

"I worked with about three or four other people from my shop, but there's also other people here from around the base," Wetzel said. "It's good to get outside of RED HORSE and get to know other people and find out what their jobs are."

This year's volunteer participation showed a growing trend in the Day of Caring event and the years to come will hopefully continue it.

"We're very grateful, especially to Malmstrom and the members of the Air National Guard, for supporting this event," Donovan said. "Without them we would not even have this event. It's been a success every year and it gets better every year thanks to their participation."

By the end of the day there were happy volunteers, cleaner yards and satisfied participants making this day one to care about.

"The Airmen this year were more than willing to get out there and help," Halvari said. "We have a great community, so anything we can do to help make it better, we always take that chance to do it. I appreciate everyone coming out this year and hopefully this will continue to be a success."