Volunteers recognized at 'Second Saturday Supper'

  • Published
  • By Marie Vanover
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  It was a "feast fit for kings," and in this case, the "kings" were the volunteers from Our Lady of the Sandias Catholic Community at the base chapel.

The second Saturday of every month, the Catholic Community hosts a supper tied to a specific theme. Because April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, the theme for this month's supper was "April Showers of Blessings," spotlighting the Catholic Community's numerous volunteers.

Vivian Maheu, outreach coordinator, said, "There are currently 17 ministries, serving in 326 volunteer roles in the community. The volunteers represent the faces of all our military community -- active-duty, retirees, contractors, and civilians, as well as spouses, widows and children."

The members volunteer with multiple programs, both on- and off-base, in various capacities, said Ms. Maheu. Some of the volunteer ministry efforts include liturgical ministries that support worship services; fellowship ministries such as the Second Saturday Supper, Cookie Fellowship, and Supper and Stripes; and outreach ministries that provide services for those in need, such as raising money for relief efforts in Haiti and participating in the chapel's Roadrunner Food Bank and Christmas Giving Tree volunteer efforts.

The chapel's volunteer opportunities are available for anyone to participate in, regardless of religious affiliation.

"There are many opportunities to help out both our base and the surrounding community. We have people supporting various organizations, such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the local Veterans Integration Center, Habitat for Humanity, and the Roadrunner Food Bank," said Chaplain (Capt.) Robert Mueller.

Some of the volunteers will be recognized for their efforts at the basewide volunteer celebration luncheon April 20 at the Mountain View Club.

"Our volunteer efforts have grown tremendously in the past three years. They are generous with their time and help make our base community a great place to live and work," Ms. Maheu said.