VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Thank you to our volunteers

By Chief Master Sgt. Brooke McLean
314th Airlift Wing command chief


Thanks to the many volunteers who make living at Little Rock AFB better for all of us. Those who give freely of their time and energy add an immense amount of value to our lives and most generally go completely unnoticed and, almost always, under-recognized. They don’t do it for the money — they do it for us.

Who are they? They are professional military council leaders like Master Sgt. Karen Graves, Senior Airman Tashina Ligus, Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Inskeep and Tech. Sgt. Nesha Willis, who help guide, focus, and shape our enlisted force. Every morning, I say hello to John Heffernan as he stands guard over the Arnold Elementary crosswalk — he asks for nothing in return. And the Little Rock Spouses Club is a powerhouse organization of volunteers who strive to improve our community and bring great benefit to our lives. In 2007 they donated approximately $45,000 in resources back into Little Rock AFB and the surrounding communities. Also, if you’ve visited the 314th Medical Group recently, you have more than likely been assisted by a volunteer. I’m not sure how our pharmacy would operate without their contributions!

Most of us cannot begin to repay the debt we owe … most of us wouldn’t know the balance due or even where to start looking. That’s the beauty of our volunteer force here. We don’t need to tally the bottom line; we just need to be courteous and say thank you.

Chances are you know someone who gives their time and expects nothing in return except a small nod of thanks or a warm smile. Thank you, volunteers!