Retirees uphold American tradition through volunteerism Published March 27, 2008 By Robin DeMark 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFRNS) -- Volunteering is an America tradition. Two volunteers for the retiree activities office here are examples of that tradition. Retired Col. Ray Kleber and retired Senior Master Sgt. Louis Hiedelmeier are among several RAO volunteers here who recently received the Presidential Call to Service Award for their commitment. "Each volunteer gave more than 4,000 hours of community service," said retired Senior Master Sgt. Elmer Bryans, RAO director. "Every volunteer had over 20 years of 'still serving' and this award provided a signature by the president honoring their volunteerism so they will not be forgotten." Colonel Kleber and Sergeant Hiedelmeier are examples of people inspiring people by staying active in their retirement years and volunteering for the base RAO and the local community. "Volunteering and helping others gives me the opportunity to give something back and still be part of the Air Force," said Colonel Kleber. For the past 23 years, the two men have volunteered for the RAO by working at the base pharmacy and many other facilities. They help by assisting staff with opening the facility, issuing medication bags, and providing extra manpower as military members go on temporary duty or deploy. "It's very important wherever we volunteer, that we are treated as part of the team," said Sergeant Heidelmeier. "That's what motivates us, knowing how we can help. We can do whatever we're asked to do because volunteers have no limits to giving." Both agree that with a little training, they could help pharmacy technicians more by processing paperwork, completing orders and completing computer entries. "It's an indescribable feeling knowing you're still needed, you're looking out for one another and still being that wingman for others," Sergeant Heidelmeier said. Besides volunteering on base, they also support the local community by donating blood to the American Red Cross. "So far I have donated 139 pints of blood to date, which is 186 pounds of blood, which is more than I weigh right now," said Colonel Kleber. Regular blood donations remain as critical to the nation as volunteering for Civil Air Patrol missions, according to Colonel Kleber. "Since 1941, the CAP put me in contact with younger members with whom I shared my enthusiasm for flying and took part in many exercises, actual search and rescue, counter drug, cadet orientation flights and hurricane damage missions," Colonel Kleber said. "This is my 69th year of flying and I still enjoy it." To emphasize the national and local impact of volunteering for the CAP, he and a community friend combine their aviation expertise and personal aircraft to fly two to three Angel Flights, (non-emergency flights for financially and medically needy people), that are conducted each month. "Recently, Dr. Harold Berk and I flew to Chesterfield, Va., to pick up a 10-year-old child with cancer," Colonel Kleber said. "She wanted to go to Greensboro to be with her family and we made sure she got home." By partnering with base and community members, he hopes to inspire others to give freely of their time in areas where needed and appreciated. "In all my years of volunteering, Seymour and this community have the best community relations I've ever seen," Colonel Kleber said. When both retirees were asked what they would say to encourage more people to volunteer, they replied with sincerity. "You don't know what you're missing until you do it. It keeps your mind active and your soul alive," Sergeant Heidelmeier said. According to Sergeant Bryans, the RAO always needs more volunteers and projects to add to its list. "We would like all base organizations to identify what type of help you need and we'll match the right volunteer to your individualized needs," Sergeant Bryans said. The four other RAO retirees and retiree spouse who received the presidential award included Lt. Col. Russell Keen; Cols. Homer Hayes, Michael Todaro and William Bizzell; and Donna Goodridge.