The Importance of Volunteering in the Navy

This particular topic is a sore subject for some because many feel it's wrong to toot your own horn. If you want to volunteer, then you should do it without needing to be recognized for it. Indeed, this is why I have never put myself in for a Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal (MOVSM). However, I need you, military brother and sister, to realize that it’s important to have some volunteer service on your eval inputs. If your bragsheet is lacking in community service, your eval will be lacking as well.

Yet the issues of time and the work-family relationship come into play. You work hard and you want to go home, relax a little, and spend some time with your family. And you don't want the volunteer service to be cheap either. It's not just a game, right? Or is it something you do just to throw it on your eval and hit a wicket? The short answer is "no." That's why you need to choose a volunteer service project that you can really get behind. Here's how:

1. Pick something you care about. A lot of Sailors are particularly well-positioned to help youth as they were recently the same age. I taught a small youth group in Virginia when I was in school, so I know that it's a bonus. My ability to mentor them was important to the church, and it was something I cared about. It doesn't matter what you do with the church, or any organization, just make it something you care about so it isn't canned and worthless to the Father.

2. Find something you and your family can do together. This is why working with a local church is a good idea. My wife and I volunteered together for a long time in the nursery as our kids were going through the newborn/toddler/preschool stages. It allowed my wife and I to be together while doing something good for the community.

I hope these ideas will help you make the most of your community service. It really is that important, and it's the right thing to do.

1 comment:

boilt frog said...

"realize that it’s important to have some volunteer service on your eval inputs. If your bragsheet is lacking in community service, your eval will be lacking as well."

However, Mt. 6:1-4.