If you have volunteered for something I'd like to ask why did you do it? Also, how did you feel when you finished? Volunteers arrive early, stay late, go without breaks, work hard and most always smile. Just try and imagine what America would be like without volunteers. Just think of the organizations that depend on volunteers: churches, schools, youth groups, health care agencies, sports leagues, police, fire, and ambulance departments, civic organizations, and more. Our quality of life would be a lot less if it were not for the volunteers who selflessly offer their time and ability, without pay, and often without little or no recognition.
Our sense of community is the strongest tradition in the history of American values and it's the volunteers who provide this strength. Through volunteering we make more than just a living with our lives, we make a difference. I know Willacy County is blessed with many outstanding, dedicated volunteers. I've served on boards and committees and worked alongside most of them. A lot of them volunteer their service to many different organizations. We can all be proud of the volunteers in Willacy County and the positive things it means for our community.
When I think of volunteers many come to mind who have been active for several years serving in different capacities. We should appreciate each and every one of them, but one in particular comes to mind. In the years that I've been associated with this department this person has served or helped in one way or another, just about every cause and every organization that we can mention. He has been there whenever needed, often at the neglect of his own life and family. Whenever there is an emergency, he is there. If you need a favor, he is ready to assist you . He is a man of many talents and he has made them all available to the community over the years. He's worked with the ambulance service, fire department, sheriffs reserves, Boy Scouts, Little League and much more.
He's probably done hundreds of bar-b-ques for worthwhile organizations, he's done welding without charge d he's even fixed a few lawn mowers in his "spare" time. So maybe you find this man sometimes grumpy, or so it seems, but if you can get past his crusty outward shell, beneath you'll find a warm human being with one of the biggest hearts around. Whenever or wherever there is a need, if you'll look around, this man will be nearby silently helping however he can.
Like most volunteers he doesn't seek recognition, he just cares about his community and his fellow man. We need a few more volunteers the caliber of Dale Messenger. If you see him this week, thank him for his service to our community.