National Guard Volunteer Program
Volunteers are an invaluable resource in the National Guard community. They serve by generously giving of their time and talents. Volunteers share their skillsets and provide services and resources to benefit Guard members and their Families.
Officially, these diligent volunteers are supported and organized under the National Guard Volunteer Program. As part of the National Guard Family Program, the National Guard Volunteer Program exists to enhance Guard Family Readiness through an effective volunteer network. The program seeks to educate, assist and advocate for the readiness and well-being of Guard service members and their Families.
Through the program, volunteers contribute a broad range of State-level services. These services not only support the development and administration of new volunteer programs, but also enhance the capabilities of existing Guard programs by augmenting the efforts of paid staff.
Across all 54 U.S. States and Territories, at least 45,000 National Guard Volunteer Program volunteers are currently serving in National Guard units and wings. They serve in positions including Family Readiness Group (FRG) leader, FRG secretary and treasurer, Key Spouse and Key Spouse volunteers. On average, an additional two to three adjunct volunteers per unit or wing step forward to support Family-day, welcome-home, and holiday events and activities..
The Regional Volunteer Team (RVT)
The RVT is comprised of 10 volunteer representatives from each of the 10 Federal Emergency Management Agency regions. The RVT uses the time in service, experience and expertise of its members to provide guidance to National Guard volunteers working in the various regions. The team administers the National Guard Volunteer Awards Program and members are often invited guest speakers at regional training conferences and meetings. The RVT is also responsible for providing the National Guard Bureau (NGB) with best practices gathered from the regional volunteer members.
The Volunteer Training Team (VTT)
The VTT is the grass roots segment of the National Guard Volunteer Program. It provides opportunities for volunteers to attend training courses, regardless of location, through an online conference-call platform. The training courses are designed not only for volunteers, but may also be attended by service members, Family members, paid staff and community resource members. In addition to training, the VTT manages networks that connect volunteers with each other as they work in their respective communities. It is also the gateway for State-level volunteers to move on to serving at the national level, should they so choose. The VTT has eight sub-teams: data, communications/marketing, education and curriculum, facilitator, graphic design/seminar enhancement, human resources, quality assurance and special projects.
Volunteer Support Staff (VSS)
The VSS assists NGB Family Program staff with the operation of the annual National Guard Volunteer Workshop and Youth Symposium. Selected volunteers are invited to fill VSS team lead and VSS assistant team lead positions. Additionally, the RVT is asked to send one representative from each U.S. State and Territory to serve on the VSS team. The VSS has 10 sub-teams; communications/media, preparation, greeter, guide, inventory control, technical support, data entry, runner, registration/conference support and facilitator.
If you are looking to expand your volunteer experience, the National Guard Volunteer Program is looking for you. Use the contact information below to connect with a National Guard Volunteer Program representative and receive detailed information about joining the Guard’s team of volunteers.
The Regional Volunteer Team (RVT)
- Contact – Jenny Testerman, RVT chair
- JennyTesterman.VTT@gmail.com
The Volunteer Training Team (VTT)
- Contact – Tammy Chase, VTT coordinator
- TammyChase.VTT@gmail.com
Volunteer Support Staff (VSS)
- Saundria J. Cardwood, volunteer program officer
- Saundria.J.Cardwood.civ@mail.mil
By STAFF WRITER Chase Whitlock
