Volunteer Spotlight - Why I Volunteer by Wendy Boice
In March of 2009, the company I work for, C2 Portfolio in Dulles VA, selected Operation Homefront to partner with for one of their C2 Cares Programs. I was elected the contact person to work with Operation Homefront. I was very impressed with the work they do. My Dad was retired Navy after 25 years. During his final years with us, his health was declining quickly and some days his memory was a little off, but he was so proud that I was working with an organization that worked for the troops and recognized the need for the American public to be proud of those who serve to protect our freedom no matter what their political beliefs are. For Freedom is our cause and it is what our service members are fighting for to maintain our Freedom.
As General Kelly has said: When future generations ask why America is still free and the heyday of Al Qaeda and their terrorist allies was counted in days rather than in centuries as the extremists themselves predicted, our hometown heroes-soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines can say, “because of me and people like me who risked all to protect millions who will never know my name.” My Dad was one of those who risked all to protect millions who will never know his name.
My daughter, Gena, who was 9 at the time I started working with Operation Homefront, thought Operation Homefront was a cool idea. So she joined the first C2 Cares collection site for school supplies for the Military Children of the deployed and wounded. She knew that both her grandfathers and a long line of family had served and some are still serving today. She knew some of the sad stories about troops returning from "war" and how they were treated. For example when my Father came home things were a lot different in the mid and late 60s. He could not even wear his uniform off base without having things thrown at him or screams of "baby killer" hurled at him. It made Gena sad and she wanted to help show that now it is different for those returning and different for those who are left behind. Americans are taking care of their own.
Christmas Eve 2009, my Father passed away. My Mother told me he was so proud that Gena and I were involved with such a worthy organization that she wanted to start volunteering as well! Since then the Boice/Metcalf family have helped with C2 Care projects as well as setting up some on our own. The family helped spread the word about Operation Homefront in April 2010 at a car show in Sperryville VA, In July 2010, we had a booth at the Sweet Dreams Festival in Stuarts Draft VA and we ended the year 2010 by participating in the 40th Annual Festival of Leaves parade and a booth in downtown Front Royal, VA. We continue to help spread the word in the Shenandoah Valley area as we return each year to the Sweet Dreams Festival in Stuarts Draft, VA, the Festival of Leaves in Front Royal, VA. In 2011 we added the Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department Annual July 4th Festival in Sperryville, VA. Hope to see you there! We can always use volunteers to help us at these events!
So, in memory of CDR Conrad Metcalf, a retired Naval Commander, with 25 years active duty as a Naval pilot, as well as 13 years teaching NJROTC at Mooseheart, IL, his family is committed to serve in his name with Operation Homefront DC Metro for as long as there is a need.
Join us in helping the deployed, wounded and their families that serve back home, by making www.operationhomefront.net/dcmetro one of your favorite websites and visit us frequently or join us on Facebook at Operation Homefront Washington DC Metro Chapter and don't forget Twitter at OpHmDCMetro.