When I first started volunteering about eight years ago, I just thought it would be a great way to get out of the house and meet new people.  But once I started volunteering on a regular basis, I realized that it would become a positive, meaningful experience not only for myself but for those around me.

My first time volunteering was helping to build a house with Habitat for Humanity in Jacksonville, FL.  It was so exciting knowing that I was going to change a family’s life.  I got such a rush every time I worked on their home, I found myself searching for even more volunteer opportunities.

When I moved to Oklahoma City, OK, I started to volunteer with an organization called Operation Homefront.  I met so many amazing people during the six years I volunteered for them.  I remember participating in their holiday toy distributions, where I sorted and distributed thousands of toys for children on base and at a local school in the community.  Knowing that these children were going to have a happier holiday season because of what I did was really rewarding.  The Today Show even came and broadcast a live segment on Operation Homefront and their partnership with Walmart, which really inspired me to continue giving back to the community.

About a month before we were supposed to move to Maryland, a tornado struck our house in Oklahoma City and heavily damaged our home.  This delayed our move, and I spent the next three months working on our house to get it back in shape. During this time, I was forced to put my volunteering aside.  I kept extremely busy getting everything around the house back together, but I felt something was missing.  I really missed volunteering.  I missed the camaraderie amongst my fellow volunteers and most importantly, I missed seeing smiles on the faces of people I was helping.

When we finally moved to Maryland, I searched for any volunteer opportunity I could find.  I contacted the DC-based chapter of the USO and knew it was a match right from the beginning.  In the past year and a half, I’ve represented the USO at several events in the Pax River area, including military children’s events, 5 K runs, and pre-deployment send-offs.  I also travel to Fort Belvoir once a month to help run their Farmers Market.  I love meeting new people, networking, and hearing everyone else’s stories.  I also love learning new skills and talents.

My favorite type of volunteer project is working with kids.  I love seeing the smiles on children’s faces.  At one event, I witnessed a nine-year old little boy receive his first-ever bicycle.  Watching his eyes light up when he realized the bike was his to keep brought tears to my eyes, and knowing that I played a role in making this little boy’s day pretty much sums up why I volunteer.

Each and every time I volunteer, I know that I am making a difference in somebody’s life.  I think everybody should take some time to spread the love and volunteer too; I am quite certain you will find it incredibly rewarding as well.

National Resources for volunteering include:  www.serve.gov, usacares.org, www.volunteer.va.gov, the ArmyOneSource, and The USO.  Also check with various organizations on your base or with your chaplain.

Angie Dubuque is a military spouse.  She, her husband, LCDR Michael Dubuque, and their two boys, Nathan and Matthew, are stationed at NAS Patuxent River. She has spent the last nine years volunteering for various organizations around the country and loves giving back to her local community.