Off-duty Coast Guard crews volunteer to help in Hampton, Va.

People who volunteer improve the lives of others in obvious ways. Recipients of community service efforts gain something tangible: a hot meal, a home improvement, funding or staffing where resources are lacking or nonexistent. Homeless veterans, single-parent families, environmental organizations and non-profit groups succeed when volunteers work for their benefit.

Coast Guard women and men, whether active duty or civilian employees, make a living serving the public – it’s their job. A life dedicated to service, many members of the Coast Guard family often extend their efforts beyond the workday, giving selflessly to help others.

Coast Guard volunteers in Virginia’s Hampton Roads area seize opportunities to give of themselves, resulting not only in gains for folks on the receiving end, but in forming stronger relationships among Coast Guard and community members.