TOP STORY >>Make a difference

By Brig. Gen. (S) Wayne Schatz
314th Airlift Wing Commander

Marian Wright Edelman, president and founder of the  Children’s Defense Fund, said making a big difference in the world, in your  community or in someone’s life is a matter of making small daily differences.  People often think it takes a big idea, lots of money and even a measure of  fame to make a difference. Don’t underestimate the difference a small act can  make.
Recently, Team Little Rock members Master Sgt. William  Holtfort, Tech. Sgt. Carl Struble and Airman 1st Class James Jeter were  featured in a KARK-TV news segment for the time they and 49 other Little Rock  Airmen volunteer supporting the local Big Brother Big Sister organization. The  time they spend supporting this program may not seem like such a big thing to  them but their efforts have made a powerful impact in the lives of local  children who need a positive role model.

Last Friday, two Team Little Rock Airmen stopped to  help a lady and her child get to safety after their car stalled.

The Airmen  probably didn’t think of this as a big deal but the lady was so appreciative  that she took the time to write a letter to the base thanking them. To this  lady and her child, their small act made a big difference. And Tuesday, more  than 75 members of the Top 3 and Rising 6 supported Arnold Drive Elementary  School on base by cleaning and touching up the school grounds. The  support they provided helps ensure students and parents arrive on the first  day school to a neat and clean environment.

These are just a sample of the many small everyday  volunteer actions taken by Team Little Rock members that are making a big  difference in the local community and individual lives. If you are not  involved in a community volunteer activity, I encourage you to get involved.  

Volunteering not only benefits the community, but also  provides benefits to the volunteer. On a personal level, volunteering gives  you the opportunity to get out in the community and meet new friends, learn  news skills, find out what fun things are happening, and gives you a genuine  sense of satisfaction from knowing you are making a difference. As an Air  Force professional, it allows you to inform members of the local community  about the important mission of Little Rock Air Force Base and your important  role in it.  The community involvement of Team Little Rock members plays  a vital role in maintaining the phenomenal relationship we enjoy with our  local community partners.  

So, making a difference in the world, your community,  or in someone’s life is not as difficult as you might have thought.  If  you’re not currently involved in a community activity, get involved, met new  friends, discover some new things about the area, and have  fun.

Thanks for all you do to support Team Little Rock, the  local community and our nation. Combat Airlift!