McConnell volunteers set the Air Force standards

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. John Gebhardt
  • 22nd Medical Group
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Everyday, ordinary Americans on McConnell Air Force Base accomplish remarkable achievements. Chances are that several of those people will be one of our 607 remarkable volunteers who serve for nothing more than love of Country and Airmen. 

It has been said you will never convince a person by arguing with them; you convince them by your example. Without question, McConnell volunteers convince others with their actions. 

Our fellow team members contributed over 45,000 hours this past year and certainly do not need to argue their value to the organizations they serve. Volunteers are not paid, because they are priceless and their example is contagious. 

The standards for active duty servicemembers are our Air Force core values and our volunteers exceed those standards. 

Integrity is a character trait, a willingness to do what is right. McConnell volunteers give their time and skills to support the mission and people while displaying the highest character traits and teaching integrity with their example. 

Service before self tells us that professional duties take precedence over personal desires. What greater example can someone demonstrate than volunteering their time to serve others with no expectation of pay or rewards for service? Volunteers set the bar for service before self for all to strive for. 

Excellence in all we do directs us to develop a sustained passion for continuous improvement. Most of our volunteers have previously served their country as active duty or family member before becoming volunteers and they continue to serve with excellence in all they do. 

Perhaps it was best said by President George Bush, "A volunteer is a person who can see what others cannot see; who can feel what most do not feel. Often, such gifted persons do not think of themselves as volunteers, but as citizens - citizens in the fullest sense: partners in civilization." 

Thank you Team McConnell volunteers for the example you set; for all you give to make McConnell a better community; for your service, sacrifice and for teaching the next generation of Airmen that Air Force core values do not stop when you retire.