Nellis Airmen take time to give back

by Airman 1st Class Nathan Byrnes
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

1/29/2016 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Volunteering can be an amazing experience. Sharing those volunteer experiences can often inspire others to take time out and give back to the community. Airmen from the 823rd Maintenance Squadron took time on their day off to volunteer at the Nellis AFB Recycling Center Jan. 26.

"I wanted to get as many people as I could to come out and volunteer and give back to our community," said Airman 1st Class Douglas Wheeler, 823rd MXS HH-60 crew chief. "I'm on weekend shift so most of the Airman out here work the same shift and volunteered their time on their day off."

For Wheeler, volunteering is not only a way to give back; it also is a chance to build teamwork with his fellow Airman and a way to boost morale.
"Having my whole crew out here helps us learn that we can depend on each other and that we have each other's back and that carries over into our jobs on the flight line," said Wheeler.

Volunteering is a passion for Wheeler and took it upon himself to orchestrate this event. He hopes to encourage others to take time and volunteer.

"I can't reiterate it enough to get out there and volunteer as much as possible," said Wheeler. "It's a good feeling to give back to the community. You may not realize just how much you are helping others when you volunteer. That's why when you get an option to volunteer you should jump on it."

Wheeler is fortunate enough to work with many Airmen who are more than willing to take time out of their busy schedule to volunteer.

"Wheeler came around to each of us at work and told us what he was doing and asked if we wanted to help and I said 'yes'," said Senior Airman Ryan Corvin, 823rd MXS integrated avionics specialist. "I love volunteering and going out there and working together helps us get closer and be a more cohesive unit at work."

According to Gamy Manriquez, Nellis AFB Recycling Center recycling program manager, recycled materials at Nellis AFB have continuously brought extra funds to the Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, and NTTR communities. All the money that the Recycling Center makes goes to the Qualified Recycling Program fund and helps Nellis AFB environmental programs.

Manriquez welcomes anyone who wants to come out and volunteer their time to help at the Recycling Center. Those who are interested in volunteering must go through a safety briefing, have steel-toed boots and gloves before they are allowed to participate.

"Having Airman come out and volunteer helps tremendously," said Manriquez. "It not only helps them with their EPR bullets but it also helps Nellis and the quality of life on base," said Manriquez.

If interested in volunteering at the Recycling Center please call 702-652-5270 for more information.