Volunteer for Veterans!

The Operation: Veteran Connect Community Volunteer projects are an exciting volunteer opportunity for people in the Tampa Bay area to leverage their passion for serving military veterans who have helped to preserve and protect this nation.

Job Title: Operation: Veteran Connect Community Volunteers

Work Location:
Community volunteers will be serving at different locations based on the volunteer opportunity. There are virtual and in person opportunities.  If you decide to explore volunteering, the OVC volunteer coordinator will discuss these opportunities and locations with you.

Purpose: To assist with different monthly projects and events to help Veterans and military families by supporting the VA Whole Health Initiative offered through James A. Haley Veteran Hospital, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System and other Veteran serving sites. This is a great opportunity for individuals and their families who are looking to serve Veterans and/or Military Family Members in a meaningful way.

Qualifications:  Open to any of the following:
- Veterans
- a military family member
- physically challenged Veterans
- active military,
- high school students
- college students 
- corporate or family groups
- former AmeriCorps members and volunteers

All volunteers must complete an OVC Community Volunteer Application which will be sent to you by email after you submit your contact information in the form at the bottom of this web page.

OVC Community volunteers must have a background check if they decide to serve in opportunities where they will serve children or older adults directly (example TelePals services).

 Duties and Responsibilities:
Activities could include:

• Delivering or serving food
• Writing thank-you notes or encouragement letters to active military personnel overseas 
• Serving at community events or fairs
• Special projects: food or care items collection drives
• Holiday Events like 9/11, Martin Luther King, Day of Caring, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and others
  
• TelePals – telephone reassurance to socially isolated, elderly, or physically challenged Veterans
  

Benefits: flexible time commitment, gain valuable skills, meet new people, and the opportunity to participate in recognition and social events.

Time Commitment: Volunteers usually serve at least 2 hours at events on a one-time or recurring basis. Your time is a valuable commodity that we appreciate. So, offer what you can, with our thanks.

Training: Orientation will be given at events by Operation Veteran Connect (OVC) staff or team leaders.

Next Step:
If you'd like to volunteer, complete and submit the following form.  We'll contact you soon.