Fort Bliss Monitor

5-52 Soldier reaches out, gives to community

PFC. JESSIKA GREENDEER
11th ADA Bde.

One of the seven core Army values is selfless service. The Army’s definition of selfless service is to place the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Webster’s Dictionary defines selfless as “concerned about others rather than oneself.”

So what character trait do Soldiers have that separates them from a person who has not been a member in the Armed Forces? Is it a recessive trait found in their deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA? Why are they willing to give up so many things to be a part of it. For example, separation from their family for extended periods of time? In all actuality, looking at all that they have and will gain from their time in service, it is too numerous to count.

By living the Army values, Soldiers maintain a higher standard of existence on and off-duty. When a Soldier values ‘Selfless Service’ and is displaying that particular Army Value in their life, it may bring a sense of satisfaction or it may present other opportunities for that Soldier.

For Soldiers this may not be sufficient to spend quality time with their families or friends and accomplish any other errands or chores that they need to complete. So if a Soldier has only a few hours a day why would they devote and volunteer their time to something that they are adamant and committed about?

There is a 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Soldier who volunteers her time in order for children to have more structure in their lives. Spc. Dana Mercado has volunteered for different organizations and activities for a majority of her life.

Mercado began volunteering as a mentor during her high school years in Danbury, Texas. She was also involved in the Habitat for Humanity Organization and now has become a big sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso. She was also the 5-52nd ADA’s Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers representative until she married.

Mercado believes that Soldiers provide children a more controlled environment creating a more supportive environment for the children.

“In the military we live with a lot more structure in our lives,” said Mercado. “Many of the children are in need of that. My parents were very busy while I was growing up. I wish they had the time to be more involved in my life. I love kids. That is why I volunteer. I want to be more involved to help prevent that from happening to other children.”

Mercado thinks Soldiers would also like to involve themselves in the program because they are away from their families. This opportunity allows them to spend time with a little brother or little sister while enriching their lives. Mercado invites her little brother to different activities.

“They [Soldiers] would not be just helping out the child,” She said. “The child would be helping them out as well.”

Mercado volunteers for many reasons. She has a strong desire to help those in need and offer assistance when she can.

“I believe on taking chances and going ‘out on the limb’ for someone,” said Mercado. “You never know when you are going to need help.”

There are approximately 80 to 100 children on the current waiting list for a mentor. Requirements to become a mentor include: a current driver’s license, insurance and be at least 18 years of age or older.

If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program as a mentor, call 544-4203 to schedule an interview.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	August 11, 2005

<map name="boxmap-b4"> <area shape="rect" coords="0, 589, 120, 600" href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" > <area coords="0,0,10000,10000" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=&creative=92501&camp=8117&link_code=dl1&path=subst/misc/amazon-cobrand-cc/v3/marketing-from-associates-step1.html/ref%3Db1_assoc_29" > </map>	5-52 Soldier reaches out, gives to community PFC. JESSIKA GREENDEER 11th ADA Bde. One of the seven core Army values is selfless service. The Army’s definition of selfless service is to place the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Webster’s Dictionary defines selfless as “concerned about others rather than oneself.” So what character trait do Soldiers have that separates them from a person who has not been a member in the Armed Forces? Is it a recessive trait found in their deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA? Why are they willing to give up so many things to be a part of it. For example, separation from their family for extended periods of time? In all actuality, looking at all that they have and will gain from their time in service, it is too numerous to count. By living the Army values, Soldiers maintain a higher standard of existence on and off-duty. When a Soldier values ‘Selfless Service’ and is displaying that particular Army Value in their life, it may bring a sense of satisfaction or it may present other opportunities for that Soldier. For Soldiers this may not be sufficient to spend quality time with their families or friends and accomplish any other errands or chores that they need to complete. So if a Soldier has only a few hours a day why would they devote and volunteer their time to something that they are adamant and committed about? There is a 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Soldier who volunteers her time in order for children to have more structure in their lives. Spc. Dana Mercado has volunteered for different organizations and activities for a majority of her life. Mercado began volunteering as a mentor during her high school years in Danbury, Texas. She was also involved in the Habitat for Humanity Organization and now has become a big sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso. She was also the 5-52nd ADA’s Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers representative until she married. Mercado believes that Soldiers provide children a more controlled environment creating a more supportive environment for the children. “In the military we live with a lot more structure in our lives,” said Mercado. “Many of the children are in need of that. My parents were very busy while I was growing up. I wish they had the time to be more involved in my life. I love kids. That is why I volunteer. I want to be more involved to help prevent that from happening to other children.” Mercado thinks Soldiers would also like to involve themselves in the program because they are away from their families. This opportunity allows them to spend time with a little brother or little sister while enriching their lives. Mercado invites her little brother to different activities. “They [Soldiers] would not be just helping out the child,” She said. “The child would be helping them out as well.” Mercado volunteers for many reasons. She has a strong desire to help those in need and offer assistance when she can. “I believe on taking chances and going ‘out on the limb’ for someone,” said Mercado. “You never know when you are going to need help.” There are approximately 80 to 100 children on the current waiting list for a mentor. Requirements to become a mentor include: a current driver’s license, insurance and be at least 18 years of age or older. If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program as a mentor, call 544-4203 to schedule an interview.