Retirees uphold American tradition through volunteerism

  • Published
  • By Robin DeMark
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Volunteering is an America tradition. 

Military retirees, spouses and active-duty Airmen's commitment to serving others through volunteerism unite them with families, neighbors, communities and their Nation. 

Retired Col. Ray Kleber and retired Senior Master Sgt. Louis Hiedelmeier are local volunteers for the retiree activities office and two of six recipients of the Presidential Call to Service Award last month presented by Col. Steve Kwast, 4th Fighter Wing commander. 

"Each volunteer gave more than 4,000 hours of community service," said retired Senior Master Sgt. Bryans, RAO director. "Every volunteer had over 20 years of 'still serving' and this award provided a signature by the President honoring their volunteerism so they will not be forgotten." 

Mr. Kleber and Mr. Hiedelmeier are examples of people inspiring people by staying active in their retirement years volunteering for the base RAO and the local community. 

"Volunteering and helping others gives me the opportunity to give something back and still be part of the Air Force," said Mr. Kleber. 

For the past 23 years, the two have volunteered for the RAO by working at the base pharmacy and many other facilities. They help staff open the facility, issue medication bags and provide extra manpower as military members go on temporary duty or deploy.
 
"It's very important wherever we volunteer, that we are treated as part of the team," said Mr. Heidelmeier. "That's what motivates us, knowing how we can help. We can do whatever we're asked to do because volunteers have no limits to giving." 

Both agree that with a little training, they could help pharmacy technicians more by processing paperwork, completing orders and completing computer entries. 

"It's an indescribable feeling knowing you're still needed, you're looking out for one another and still being that wingman for others," Sergeant Heidelmeier said. 

In addition to volunteering on base, they also support the local community by giving blood to the American Red Cross. 

"So far I have donated 139 pints of blood to date, which is 186 pounds of blood which is more than I weigh right now," said Mr. Kleber. 

Regular blood donations remain as critical to our nation as volunteering for Civil Air Patrol missions according to Mr. Kleber. 

"Since 1941, the CAP put me in contact with younger members with whom I shared my enthusiasm for flying and took part in many exercises, actual search and rescue, counter drug, cadet orientation flights and hurricane damage missions," Mr. Kleber said. "This is my 69th year of flying and I still enjoy it." 

To emphasize the national and local impact volunteering for the CAP, he and a community friend combine their aviation expertise and personal aircraft to fly two to three Angel Flights, (non-emergency flights for financially and medically needy people), that are conducted each month. 

"Recently, Dr. Harold Berk and I flew to Chesterfield, VA., to pick up a ten-year-old child with cancer," Mr. Kleber said. "She wanted to go to Greensboro to be with her family and we made sure she got home." 

By partnering with base and community members, he hopes to inspire others to give freely of their time in areas where needed and appreciated. 

"In all my year s of volunteering, Seymour and this community have the best community relations I've ever seen," Mr. Kleber said. 

When both retirees were asked what they would say to encourage more people to volunteer, they replied with sincerity. 

"You don't know what you're missing until you do it. It keeps your mind active and your soul alive," Mr. Heidelmeier said. "We have several young Airmen volunteering at the local soup kitchen, the community absolutely loves them." 

Airmen also volunteer to mentor youth, participate in reading programs and help build homes in the community. 

"At every assignment, every Airman should make it the best one of their Air Force career by giving of themselves," Mr. Kleber said. "It's very important to make yourself available to other base organizations while our Air Force is force shaping to make us leaner, stronger and united." 

According to Mr. Bryans, the RAO always needs more volunteers and projects to add to their list. 

"We would like all base organizations to identify what type of help you need and we'll match the right volunteer to your individualized needs," Mr. Bryans said.
The four other RAO retires who received the Presidential award included, Lt. Col. Russell Keen, Col. Homer Hayes, Col. Michael Todaro, Col. William Bizzell and Mrs. Donna Goodridge. 

For more information on how to sign up as a volunteer for the base RAO, call 722-1119 or visit the RAO community link at web site www.seymourjohnson.af.mil.