MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- In recognition of the tireless efforts of Depot volunteers, Brig. Gen. Joseph J. McMenamin, commanding general, MCRD/ERR, hosted the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet at the Depot Lyceum April 28.
Volunteering is a part of the daily life of many Depot residents and the week of April 25 - 30 was set aside in recognition of their endeavors.
"I would like volunteers to realize that their work is rec-ognized," said Athena Anderson, volunteer banquet coordinator. "The work they do is very important. They are helping the Marines accomplish mission readiness, and without their services, there wouldn't be a lot of the programs we have on the Depot."
The dinner is the pinnacle of a week proclaimed by Brig. Gen. McMenamin as Volunteer Appreciation Week to honor the volunteers in our community.
Since 1974, a national week of recognition has been set aside, when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering.
"Generally, the dinner is held to recognize the tremendous amount of help, time, energy and effort that all of these volunteers give to the base," said Jean Perdue, program coordinator for Marine Corp Family Team Building Parris Island. "I think that they are just now starting to recognize the value of volunteering."
The Religious Ministries Center, the Red Cross, the Tri-Command Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Marine Corps Community Services-South Carolina's Semper Fit Health Promotions, Life-style, Insights, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills, Key Volunteer Network and the Staff NCO Wives Thrift Shop were all recipients of gratitude during the evening's events.
One of the reasons these organizations thrive is because of the efforts of their volunteers.
"If they are volunteering for one thing, then more than likely they are volunteering for more," said Jeff Odom, recreational specialist with MCCS-SC's Semper Fit Health Promotions.
"Every time they do something we say thank you, and unfortunately, that is the most we can do," he added. "They aren't getting paid to do it. Recognition does help out though and it makes them realize that their actions aren't going unnoticed."
Even with a week set aside and dedicated to the effort put forth by the volunteers, Odom believes that the appreciation should not end with the dinner.
"I think we need to recognize them and show them that they are not being taken for granted," said Odom. "It is so easy to expect people to do this, but you never know what is going on with people's lives. Sometimes, the husband is deployed and the wife picks up where the husband left off, and then some even say that I need to do this for my children and for every other kid."
That kind of spirit can be contagious and can lead to efforts exceeding the boundaries of the military community.
"It certainly does emphasize the spirit of volunteering," said Roland Born, station manager for the Depot American Red Cross.
"I think that if people get the word out that their service is appreciated then they may be able to find the time to contribute to the community as well."
Finding the time to volunteer can be difficult, and those contributions seemed to inspire those involved with the event. This included Anderson who, until 2 a.m. the night prior, expended her own time to make last minute preparations.
"Awe, is a great word," said Perdue when describing the efforts of the volunteers. "The level of commitment and energy of the people is amazing to me."
"Most of the people that are here volunteer for two, three, four different organizations," he added. "They may be sitting at one table, but they are a part of more."