Ellsworth Airmen give back to the community

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebecca R. Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Every day, countless volunteers across the Black Hills give back to their community by providing support for those in need.

Sept. 5 was even more special as approximately 320 Ellsworth Airmen joined volunteers from across the community to complete projects as part of the United Way Day Of Caring.

The day began as volunteers from all age groups and walks of life gathered at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, S.D., for the United Way of the Black Hills Day of Caring kick-off lunch.

The Day of Caring was established in 1992 to promote the spirit and value of volunteerism, increase awareness of local human service agencies and schools, and demonstrate what people working together can accomplish.

Grace Roberts, a World War II veteran and one of the many local residents who received help during the day, said she has lived in the Black Hills for most of her life and wishes she had known about the Day of Caring earlier.

"I can't believe how fortunate I am to receive the help I did," Roberts said. "These young men and women provided a huge service for me and I can't thank them enough for that."

Greg Johnson, the Minneluzahan Senior Citizens Center director, said Ellsworth Airmen have a rich history of providing valuable help to him and his staff through a wide range of projects.

"We are so grateful to have kind hearted young people who are willing to help out," Johnson said. "With us being a non- profit organization with a very low budget, our volunteers are what fuel our center's progress."

Johnson explained that this is the second year the MSCC has opened its doors to Day of Caring volunteers.

"The progress we've made is really big," said Johnson. "With the help of our volunteers, we have been able to paint every room in the facility within the past two years."

Airman 1st Class Nicholas Ward, 28th Medical Group records technician, described the sense of fulfillment he felt from volunteering and said he is already anticipating next year's Day of Caring.

"It's always good to give back, so I do every chance I can," Ward said. "I can really empathize with those in need. If I were in their situation, I would appreciate if people went out of their way to help me too."

For more information on volunteer opportunities available in the Black Hills, call Laurie Adkins, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant, at 385-4663.