Direct Line: CMDCM Nancy Estrada, NAS Sigonella Command Master Chief

Recently there have been some questions about the WIIFM (What’s in it for me?) of volunteering. Some folks might focus on a tiny piece of fabric (Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal) as the main driver, but a MOVSM is just a side benefit. Volunteering can also help you make friends, learn new skills, advance in your career, and even feel happier and healthier! Volunteering:

Makes you happy

• Doing something you enjoy doing that also benefits others is a win-win!

• Volunteering helps counter stress, anger, and anxiety

• Increases self confidence

• Provides a sense of accomplishment for completing a project and/or making an impact

Connects you with others

• Make new friends who enjoy doing the same things you do!

• Helps you increase your social and relationship skills

• Volunteering can help family members bond with each other, but also provides a great example for kids. It can also help your spouse to more easily connect to the overseas community

Helps you advance your career

• Learn leadership and teambuilding skills (a HUGE benefit of volunteering!)

• Networking

• Recognition

Moving to the recognition piece, there are more benefits that can be achieved than just earning a MOVSM. Participating in organizations like FCPOA, CSADD, or the command’s recreation committee may not count toward the MOVSM, but your participation will still have a big impact on your evaluations and boards. Consistently being involved in these organizations demonstrates your commitment to the team and making improvements in your community.

The question, “What do I have to do to earn an MOVSM?” has come up with increasing regularity. SECNAVINST 1650.1H states that the MOVSM may be awarded for performing “volunteer community service of a sustained, direct and consequential nature.” It is designed to recognize impactful service provided over time, not an accumulation of a specified amount of hours.

A great example of qualifying service is the Drug Education for Youth program. It is directed toward the community/military family, produces tangible results, reflects favorably on the Navy, and is sustained and direct in nature.

Even if you don’t have time to support a sustained effort, you can also volunteer with the USO, NMCRS, Red Cross, or DoDEA schools when you can. You can also work with Dr. Lunetta, the community relations director in the public affairs office. He always has service projects that need support, like assisting with orphanages or women’s shelters that improve quality of life for the local community.

When submitting for an MOVSM, it is also necessary to show impact. Participating in a fundraiser without demonstrating how those funds positively impacted the community or military family does not qualify. Participating or organizing a command sports event or team does not qualify. Working on a project that benefits your organization that does not also support the community does not qualify. And service that does not support the community or military family is NOT what the MOVSM is designed to recognize. This service is important but can be recognized in other ways.

A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is the definition of tangible: “Perceptible by touch. Clear and definite; real. Well defined.” Your actions should provide tangible results, not just accumulated hours. Focus more on defining what those hours contributed to rather than just logging time. If you do this over the course of time, you would be deserving of being considered for a MOVSM. But always remember that the benefit of earning a MOVSM pales in comparison to the impact you can make on others and yourself.