One of the more difficult times for military veterans and private citizens is the day of retirement. What do you do now?
Of course, most retirees have a list of things to do for a while. Travel, work on the house, buy a boat, paint some rooms in the house, etc. However, as time passes that list may grow shorter and shorter leading to boredom from inactivity, along with possible health problems and various personal issues.
I’ve always believed that volunteer service in the community is an extremely smart avenue for those who have reached a point of wishing they had something to do rather than constantly looking at television, the computer screen or paint drying. Especially for our veterans.
The Disabled American Veterans organization once reported on a Saint Louis University study concerning military veterans volunteering in the community. Researchers studied 346 Veterans and found that after doing volunteer service, there was a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms and depression.
Veterans who volunteered reported their health improved, both physically and mentally, and it was easier to perform everyday activities after volunteering. By staying physically active and mentally engaged through volunteer service, veterans reduced stress while building healthier lifestyles. This not only includes military retirees, but our veterans who were discharged and are employed or attending local colleges with some excess time on their hands.
Volunteering will also help veterans with integrating into the civilian workforce, as many organizations value the unique skills and discipline they bring and display in volunteer roles.
The presence of veterans in community service roles also serves as an inspiration to private citizens to get out of the house and volunteer.
Opportunities right here
Here in Citrus County, there are countless opportunities for volunteer service, and I would like to mention a few with the hope veterans will enjoy giving back to others, including our private citizens.
Of course, all veterans’ organizations like the American Legion and VFW need volunteers. Especially licensed professionals. Such as cooks, landscapers, building maintenance, equipment repairmen, roofers, electricians, painters, etc.
Having served as a VFW Post Commander several times in the past, I can personally attest to those needs. With very limited funds and minimal volunteer help it is a difficult task to lead an organization and have an effective operation supporting veterans and family members. Unfortunately, most of the help and funding comes mostly from veterans and family members within the organization. Many with limited physical abilities due to their military service health problems or age.
Membership, of course, is very seriously needed in our veterans’ organizations. Though we have over 1,450,000 veterans in Florida, including over 214,000 retirees, membership in organizations is seriously lacking. Including their auxiliaries whose support is critical to success of the missions.
A good example of where critical veteran volunteer needs exist is in the Marine Corps League Detachment 1139 at VFW Post 4252 in Hernando. One important task Marines have is serving on the Honor Guard alongside VFW Post 4252 veterans while performing funeral services locally and at Bushnell National Cemetery. It is becoming more and more difficult to accomplish this very important task due to Volunteer shortages.
To get involved email Bill Scheiterle at mistymeadows@tampabay.rr.com.
Businesses also are needed to help our Veterans organizations with construction, manpower, material and monetary donations. As example, in order to help our veterans and their family members, I personally have two businesses currently supporting me with outstanding service.
First, this newspaper. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to present these veterans articles in the Chronicle without cost for nearly two decades. Helping many veterans by providing needed information to get help for physical and mental health issues, obtaining VA benefits, information about local support organizations, and much more. Helping those who served and sacrificed for America. Thank you, Citrus County Chronicle.
The second business is Inkspot Media in Dunnellon, a full-service marketing partner for businesses or non-profits. They volunteer to completely fund printing and mailing costs for two 26-page veterans publications providing important information to veterans and their families about VA benefits, and many, many other critical physical and mental health support needs.
Inkspot Media’s donation over the many years for me to accomplish this important project is at over $10,000 annually, not counting manhours! A patriotic, outstanding business providing superior products and support to our veterans and into our communities.
If you would like to show your appreciation of this dedicated support, or learn more about their products, contact them on their website https://inkspotmedia.net/.
Other needs for volunteers
There are many volunteer needs in Citrus that veterans and private citizens can support. I did some research on local websites outlining volunteering needs. Let me cover a few and I sincerely hope it will present incentive to give back to our community and get out of that easy chair at home.
The City of Inverness hosts special events and needs volunteers to assist with event setup and to engage with attendees. You see programs constantly reported by the Chronicle and, as our county and city have grown, so have these events.
Volunteers are also needed by the city at their Parks & Recreation Department to help with park maintenance and beautification. Also, at the historic Valerie Theatre to fulfill maintenance and operation needs.
Go to www.inverness-fl.gov/637/ Volunteer-Opportunities for information.
Citrus County Animal Services has many volunteer positions. Such as dog walkers, animal playgroups, cat cuddlers, customer service and office support.
Go to www.citrusbocc.com/departments/community_services/animal_services/ volunteer.php for more information.
Daystar Life Center of Citrus County has stated they have many positions for volunteering and people may do so for more than one area. Positions include in the Social Services Office, thrift store and food pantry. truck driver assistants and grounds and building maintenance.
Go to https://www.daystarcitruscounty.org/volunteers-daystar-life-center.php for more information.
The Nature Coast Volunteer Center has a need for volunteers. Positions include tutoring or mentoring in schools and libraries, senior center kitchen aide, meals on wheels delivery, emergency preparedness training and response, and help at State Parks (trails and wildlife).
For more information go to:
http://www.citrusbocc.com/departments/community_services/support_services/ nature_coast_volunteer_center/index.php.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Unit has a need for your support. Positions include animal control, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Child ID, community patrol or Crime Watch, office clerical, fingerprinting unit, mail couriers, sewing unit, and many more positions.
Go to https://www.sheriffcitrus.org/how_do_i/volunteer.php for more information.
The Family Resource Center has some very interesting volunteer programs that include the food pantry, working in the clothing room, data entry, bicycle repair, welcome center, and more.
Go to https://www.ccfrc.org/volunteer for more information.
At HCA Florida Hospital here in Inverness there are a number of volunteer positions. I once volunteered there years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, leading to my current volunteer position in a hospital at my new residence.
Their website indicates you will find volunteer positions with shifts available between the hours of 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the main hospital and medical office building. Areas include Admissions, Welcome Desk, Emergency Room, Food and Nutrition, Pastoral care, patient floors, and Surgery.
Go to https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/citrus-hospital/for-visitors/volunteers for more information.
Let’s cover one more very unique possible volunteer opportunity that I recently found here.
A “STEM student” refers to a student who is studying or pursuing a career in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Problem-solving skills are incredibly important for STEM students, as this stream deals with diverse and complex problems all the time. Whether it’s solving a tricky math problem or fixing a flawed or damaged gadget, problem-solving is a big part of STEM learning.
Worthwhile Magazine by Raymond James & Associates, which highlighted the growing demand for STEM skills, reported that by 2032 STEM jobs are expected to grow five times faster than non-STEM careers. Yet only 20 percent of high school graduates are prepared for college-level STEM programs.
In these programs students race robots, collaborate with other teams, and are rewarded for using their brains and applying strategy and creativity to the robotics games. Staged in arenas, gymnasiums, and other large venues, the competitions have cheering sections, robot contestants, and student “mathletes,” as one student described himself.
Locally, the Citrus County High School Robotics team is a team built on the ideas of “coopertition” between all of our county’s high schools. There are teams from around the world challenged to raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. Learning through application.
Go to https://www.citrusschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=737701&pageId =77353928 for more information.
I was contacted by Jim Kellow here in Citrus County, president of the New Tracks Modeling Mentoring Scholarship Program. A website can be found at https://newtracksmodeling.com.
He is heavily involved with model railroading and has posed and extension to the student robotics program that would be a great avenue for Veteran volunteers, many of whom have extensive technical skills in computer and electronic technologies from their military service.
Kellow wondered if his trains can be considered robots? In other words, can robots be designed to run his model railroads? How much can the field of robotics be useful in designing, building, and operating his model railroad? Thereby, helping STEM students improve their skills.
An AI inquiry found ways robotics could transform model railroading, from automated track-laying and maintenance to interactive features like moving bridges or synchronized lighting. Incorporating robotics into a model railroad project can significantly increase the precision, efficiency, and overall enjoyment of the hobby.
A very great possibility for robotic expansion. But mentors are needed. Especially retirees, veterans, and other professionals with technical or leadership skills in order to guide the program and the students.
For more information, email Kellow at jimkellow@newtracksmodeling.com.
If you are a veteran or private citizen and would like to give back to your community or simply wish to get out the easy chair that may sadly be detrimentally impacting your mental and physical health, please consider becoming a volunteer.
John Stewart is a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and disabled Vietnam War Veteran. In 2016 he was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. His columns are sourced from public, government and private information. Content is checked for accuracy as best as possible; however, you have the responsibility to confirm content validity before committing any related actions.
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