Walter Reed Army Medical Center, which celebrates its centennial this year, is known as the Home of Warrior Care. Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited the hospital to recognize the work of volunteers at the hospital, saying they set an example the country.

“You already have answered that call and answered it resolutely,” Gates told the group of volunteers, hospital staff and soldiers gathered. “Your work plays a vital role in uplifting spirits and easing the burdens on the families of our wounded.” Gates reiterated his stand that, other than winning the two current wars, caring for the wounded is his greatest priority. And, he said, those who volunteer are stepping up.

Walter Reed typically benefits from 300,000 volunteer hours per year, saving the command more than $5 million annually. Volunteers at the hospital help in many ways. Some volunteer only for specific functions or special events, others pick up trash or plant flowers. Some host regular dinners for wounded soldiers and their families, to help the wounded feel more at home while recovering. Some have volunteered for more than 30 years. Several of those who staff the information booth have logged more than 20 years each.

Volunteering is a defining part of the American experience, especially in the military community, as Secretary Gates made clear in his remarks. “At the heart of the volunteer force is a contract between the United States of America and the men and women who serve our military. A contract that is simultaneously legal, social and sacred. That when young Americans step forward of their own free will to serve they do so with the expectation that they and their families will be properly cared for should something happen on the battlefield,” Gates said.

Jesus taught that when we serve “the least of these,” we honor God’s purpose in the world. When we serve others, our hearts are changed, and we become new people.

Do you already give your time to an organization in your community?

How have you been changed through service wherever you serve?

DoD photo of Sec. Robert Gates speaking at Walter Reed Medical Center, by Fred W. Baker III , courtesy www.DefenseLink.mil

To read more about Sec. Gates’ visit to Walter Reed, click here .

To read Sec. Gates speech at Walter Reed, click here.

Tags: Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense, serve, service, volunteer, Walter Reed Army Medical Center

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 at 2:46 pm and is filed under Families, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.