Family Fellow Conversation with Emily Shipley
AUSA 2023 Volunteer Family of the Year - Spouse
"Volunteering - We find when we serve others, we benefit mentally, emotionally and spiritually."
Volunteering has always come very easily to me. I was taught at a young age to help others whenever possible. My family and I volunteered in our church and community and at times we were the recipient of help as well. This left profound memories for me, leading to an attitude of service and volunteerism.
When I started dating Jody, an SFRG leader told me one unique thing in the Army was you get to skip the awkward phase of making friends due to the frequent moves and duty stations. I found by jumping into volunteer opportunities at the unit, with post organizations or clubs, church, schools, the SFRG leader was correct, I found people and made close friends with others who were pursuing the same shared goals.
Although a large organization, the Army can have a small family feel when you make it personal. Each and every post we have been assigned to has provided so many opportunities to give back by helping others and to be helped when the time arises. When we think back on different duty assignments and locations, we reflect on the relationships, the activities, and the organizations that we were a part of. For us, so much of that is because of community engagement and volunteering. Those moments are the memories we take away.
There is a quote from of all places Happiness.com, I like. "Volunteering is important as it offers essential help to worthwhile causes, people in need, and the wider community." Jody and I share this common goal of giving back to others. I believe that is part of what drew us together and it has become a very important part of our lives and our family. Volunteer work is a way for us to serve our Lord, be a good role model for our children, and help our community. We find when we serve others, we benefit mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It has become part of who we are!
Video Interview with Emily Shipley
