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Military members team up to make a difference

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Marilyn C. Holliday
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON --  A team of 115 Air Force, Army and Navy service members, their families and DoD Civilians participated in a Joint Services National Family Volunteer Day at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C., Nov. 15. National Family Day Volunteer Day was created by the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network to encourage families to volunteer together to benefit communities where they live.

"It was a great opportunity for us to kick off Military Family Month," Ms. Vikki Torrence, Bolling Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant, said. "The Armed Services YMCA has designated the month of November as a time for us to demonstrate the nation's support for and commitment to the families of military personnel."

Volunteers spent time with the AFRH residents and provided maintenance and beautification for the AFRH. Projects were accomplished in the home's chapel, library, ceramics studio and theater. After the manual labor was complete, volunteers also were able to play pool and bowl with the residents. The volunteer children in attendance created holiday door decorations, ornaments and cards for the AFRH residents.

"It's always an honor to give back to the community and recognize our veteran living legends," she said. AFRH is home for more than 1,000 residents from all military services.

Other Military Family Month activities
Additional activities to celebrate Military Family Month will include co-sponsored art and essay contests for military youth by the ASYMCA that will provide the winners with $100 - $1000 in U.S. Savings Bonds. Entry forms are available in both the Airman and Family Readiness Center locations: Bolling AFB - 118 Brookley Ave, Ste 100 / Pentagon Annex - Room 5C1049. For more information, call (202)767-0450 or (703)693-9460. 

· THE ARMED SERVICES YMCA ART CONTEST 2009 seeks young artist for its annual contest titled, "My Military Family" - entry deadline: postmarked no later than February 20, 2009. This contest is co-sponsored by Geico Direct, Inc. and promotes art among elementary aged children (kindergarten through sixth grade) of active duty or retired Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard/Reserves families. Visit www.asymca.org for entry form and instructions. 

· THE ARMED SERVICES YMCA 2009 ESSAY CONTEST seeks students who can write about their "Military Hero" for its annual contest - entry deadline: postmarked no later than March 20, 2009. This contest is co-sponsored by Lockheed Martin and promotes reading and writing among children and teen dependents (Grades 1 - 8 and Grades 9 - 12) of active duty or retired Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard/Reserves families. Visit www.asymca.org for entry form and instructions. 

· The Air Force Aid Society General Henry H. Arnold education grant program is accepting applications. Preliminary applications must be received by AFAS no later than March 6, 2009. The program provides $2,000 grants to be used for undergraduate studies. It is competitive in its need-based selection criteria, and is uniquely tailored to recognize the proper weighing of family income and education cost factors. This grant is open to selected sons and daughters of active duty, retired, retired Reserve and deceased family members. Also, spouses of active duty members, Title 10 AGR/Reservists and surviving spouses of deceased personnel are eligible to apply. Download the application and guidelines from the Air Force Aid Society website at www.afas.org. Awards for the 2009-2010 academic year will be announced in June 2009.