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***image1***Volunteer…giver…. helper. These are just a few words that describe a member of the Ramstein Enlisted Spouses’ Association.
However, it’s not just about volunteering in the community or participating in fundraisers or events; it’s much more than that. It’s a community of people sharing similar interests, it gives one a sense of camaraderie, and it builds lifelong friendships. In one way or another, the RESA has touched countless individuals and organizations – both military and civilian – in the KMC. They live by past years’ motto; “Blooming Where You are Planted.”
The RESA is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to supporting its members and military community. The RESA’s mission is to promote the morale and well-being of our service personnel and their families; engage in charitable and social activities; and to give back to the KMC through donations to local charities and community projects throughout the year.
Last year, the RESA donated in excess of $45K to the community.
One reason RESA is able to give so much to the community is because of the success of the Ramstein Thrift Shop, owned and operated by the RESA and the efforts of the many volunteers and employees making it happen every day. Combat Care events and programs rate high with the RESA. With so many deployed spouses and military members throughout our community, the RESA recognizes the importance of providing a support network within the community. Last summer, RESA hosted a Combat Care family picnic for those families who had deployed members combined with a membership drive at Donnelly Park.
“Being a spouse of a deployed member, and especially as a parent, it’s a much needed program and well received throughout the KMC. It’s a great support network and we are delighted to have touched the lives of so many military families,” said Eva Culbreth, the RESA president.
Some of the additional charities the RESA supports include: The RESA Scholarships, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Special Olympics, 86th Wing Annual Banquet, USAFE Annual Awards, Ramstein Annual/Quarterly Awards, Family Service’s Volunteer Recognition Program, CCAF Graduation, Airman Leadership School and all military schools throughout the KMC.
Throughout the year, RESA hosts and contributes to various events. Annually, the RESA organizes and runs a booth at the Freedom Fest and during the 435th Services Squadron and Ramstein Officers’ Spouses’ Club bazaar. Every year the RESA organizes the donations-only community gift wrap held at the Ramstein and Vogelweh base exchanges. This enables the RESA and other organizations in the KMC to raise funds for such things as unit Christmas parties, going aways, birthdays and more. This year, the children of the RESA will be personally visited by Santa. “It’s all because the RESA truly cares about the KMC,” said Mrs. Culbreth.
RESA offers many benefits to its members. Monthly social meetings where spouses can meet and enhance quality of life, networking to enhance personal and professional opportunities and peer support groups all while helping the community. Members are reimbursed for childcare used during a RESA function, while volunteering at the Ramstein Thrift Store or attending other designated club fundraisers. Annually, the RESA recognizes its volunteers by hosting an appreciation dinner. During the current fiscal year, each member who volunteered at least 50 hours with the RESA qualified for a trip to the Czech Republic.
The RESA monthly socials are held at 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. Visit the Web site at www.resa-rab.org for information or drop by the Thrift Shop located in Bldg. 1200, adjacent to the Ramstein Commissary.
