Wing commander promotes volunteerism

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, Col. Timothy Leahy, the 27th Special Operations Wing commander, offered his thoughts about the importance of volunteerism in response to a series of questions from Cannon Connections staff.

Q April 27-May 3 is National Volunteer Week. How do you feel about volunteerism?

A Volunteers are what make democracy strong. People who are willing to give their own free time to do things for others are truly living the principles upon which this nation was founded. I'm always impressed by people's professional skills and what they do day-to-day at the workplace, but I am truly amazed at what they do as selfless volunteers.

Q What role has volunteerism played in your own life?

A To sum it up, my parents taught me that God gives us certain talents, but what we do with those talents determines who we are as individuals. Therefore, I've always looked for opportunities to use my talents as a volunteer, too.

Q What memorable experience(s) have you had with volunteering (at any of the places you've lived)?

A Let's look at the most recent opportunity I've had to volunteer, which was at Saturday's event to clean up the local community (in Clovis). I told my airmen that this is our town and we should take ownership in it by participating in Clovis' Great American Cleanup. When I showed up, I was both humbled and happy to see 252 airmen from Cannon and their families who feel the same way as I do. Even though the base is at the lowest population that it's been in recent years, Cannon still provided the greatest number of volunteers for this single event than I think it ever has.

Q Has your own family participated as a family unit in any volunteer service activities? What were those activities and how did your family like the experience?

A Yes. We helped with preparing a spaghetti dinner at our church. Although this is nothing new for my wife and I to participate in such events, we really enjoyed watching our kids discover the happiness and satisfaction that results from giving to others.

Q Why do you think it's important for your military personnel stationed at Cannon to volunteer in the local communities of Clovis and Portales?

A We might work on base, but Cannon airmen live in the local community. We shop in the local stores and enjoy with our families what the community has to offer. Therefore, by participating in our community, I believe it makes a tour of duty here that much more enjoyable because we can forge close friendships with others and ultimately feel a sense of belonging.

Q You've been assigned as commander at Cannon since Oct. 1, 2007. What is your impression of the spirit of volunteerism in the towns surrounding the eastern New Mexico base?

A I am very impressed by the spirit of volunteerism at both the base and the surrounding communities. Saturday's Great American Cleanup is one of the most recent examples of how the base and the community can work together to make a positive difference for all. In addition, we've worked with agencies downtown to mentor students at local schools and have collected donations on base for community food drives. We have a great volunteer program on base that has formed a strong partnership with the community, and I can see it getting even better.

Airmen always ready and willing to volunteer

Ellen Saccoia-Smith, who is a Community and Readiness Consultant at the Cannon Air Force Base Airman and Family Readiness Center, also participated in the question-and-answer session on volunteerism. Here are her responses:

Q What do you — or base personnel — do to encourage more volunteerism among Air Force servicemembers at Cannon?

A The Air Force has always taken a proactive approach to volunteerism.
One of the first briefings people receive when they arrive to Cannon is the importance of volunteering and how they can make an impact in the local community. We even have an agency on base, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, that provides volunteer coordination and outreach with our base and local communities. This is a one-stop shop for agencies and volunteers alike.

Q Are there specific areas in the local communities or even on base where you'd like to see people from Cannon offering their volunteer services?

A Truthfully, there isn't anything Cannon hasn't received a request for and hasn't stepped up to assist with. Our volunteer outreach ranges from serving/delivering Thanksgiving dinners to building new homes — from rescuing animals to touching children's lives. All of these programs are much-needed services within the community. It's our way of giving back and supporting our civilian neighbors since they continually support us.
It's a true partnership. Cannon volunteers have historically been instrumental in supporting a variety of local/base programs and charities. When the call comes, we're there to help.

Q Along those same lines, are there more areas where local civilian volunteers can help serve the military men and women of Cannon and their families?

A Over the years, Cannon has enjoyed a great working relationship with the local community. There are many unsung heroes and business leaders in the local community who give without ever being publicly recognized for their contributions. Programs such as the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and others have provided support to Cannon family members, as well as deployed, active duty, and retired personnel.

Q Are there any other thoughts you'd like to add about the importance of volunteerism?

A When the call comes, military personnel are used to answering it. This became evident during last year's tornado. When it tore through Clovis, a stunned community knew Cannon would be there to help. Within hours, hundreds of people from base were working with downtown emergency responders to help ease the pain and suffering of people in need. Every day, our airmen reach out to the community. They make a positive impact by volunteering to mentor a student, building a home for Habitat for Humanity, making a quilt for the family of a fallen service member, and becoming an advocate for an abused child.
Base personnel have long been the cornerstone of support for the majority of human service organizations in town. It's almost impossible to put into words the positive impact Cannon personnel have had on the needy. Personnel who get involved often realize the true importance of what matters most in life.