St. Martin's Children's Day committee seeks volunteers

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  The St. Martin's Special Children's Day committee needs 225 Sabers volunteers to assist with a full day of sporting events for local special-needs students Sept. 20, here.

The day provides an opportunity for the students of St Martin's School in Bitburg to come to the base, have a U.S. style barbecue and compete in sporting events to raise their morale and have fun, said Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Walsh, St. Martin's Special Children's Day co-chair. "It's so much more than a special Olympics event, in fact, the students will put on a musical show for us. It's a great time for the St. Martins School and the students from our own Department of Defense Dependents schools who participate."

The event, which began in the late 1990's, stopped due to the Sept. 11 attacks, but members of the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron revived the event last year.

The day is so successful because each year the children have a great time, Sergeant Walsh said. "It allows us to really reach out to the community and drive home that we are truly a team here in the Eifel."

The success of Children's Day is dependent on a strong volunteer base.

"We're looking for any volunteer who has base privileges," said Capt. Lisa Barber, St. Martin's Special Children's Day volunteer coordinator. "Volunteers can be active duty, family members or German employees."

Two hundred volunteers are needed to escort children, run games, set up, tear down and more. In addition, 25 German-speaking volunteers are needed to translate.

"Each St. Martin's student is paired with two volunteers for the day," Captain Barber said. "The main job for our volunteers is to help make sure the children have a safe, memorable experience.

"One of the most positive things we can do as Airmen stationed overseas is to give back to our host nation community," Captain Barber said. "Spangdahlem's St. Martin's Day celebration shows these special students, their parents and the entire local community that Sabers are dedicated to making a difference."

Sergeant Walsh believes that volunteers are the key to the success of this event. He has been involved with numerous events for special needs children.

"Volunteers ensure the children are safe, have fun, get to their events and actively participate in the days events," Sergeant Walsh said. "Keep in mind these children may have challenges, both physical and/or emotional, and they need support at times. The need for two-per-child ensures their safety and a successful event. We'll have plenty of translators to assist, so don't be shy. Just bring a smile, have some fun and it will be repaid tenfold.

"There are volunteer opportunities everywhere, however this is one that will change both the volunteer and student alike," Sergeant Walsh said. "I have not finished an event where the emotions didn't take over for even the most stout of heart. Sometimes I think that's why people are afraid to come, they don't know how they'll react. Please come and see the impact you can have on someone's life you've never met before. It's a great time."