BVL Volunteers of the Month
Jason M. Hershelman , Senior Airman USAF
And members of the Robins ALS Leadership School
Class 10-D
Warner Robins, GA

Background: Airman Leadership School (ALS) is a 24 academic day program that an Airman is required to complete before becoming a supervisor in the U.S. Air Force.  The curriculum covers a variety of topics including profession of arms, leadership, management, and communication. In addition, each class typically does some sort of fundraising.

Enter: Class member Jason Hershelman. When SrA Hershelman heard the instructor talk about the fundraising effort, he immediately thought of a bowl-a-thon – a concept he had heard about several years ago. “I thought this was a great idea, something fun that all participants would be able to enjoy, and at the same time be motivated to go get sponsors,” explains SrA Hershelman.

Jason’s Step One: “I began to call the local bowling centers to see if any of them would help or donate lane times to our class since the money we raised would be going to a charitable organization.  When I reached Tom Shimek, General Manager at the Gold Cup Bowling Center, he said that he would provide a large discount on the lanes if we donated to the BVL.” Shimek, retired military himself, has been a long-time supporter of BVL.

Step Two: SrA Hershelman then conducted some online research and read through the BVL website. He contacted the National BVL office and received a free fund-raising kit with posters, brochures and related information about BVL about how the charity supports the nation’s hospitalized veterans.

Results: There were a total of 28 individuals that were present for the event. All participants were students and instructors of the ALS class 10-D.  Reports SrA Hershelman, “Sponsors were either family members or friends and were pleased to be both raising money for a charitable organization and to be bowling.”

The best news for our nation’s hospitalized veterans: In just one Saturday morning, ALS Class 10-D raised more than $1,100 to help boost veteran’s morale and spirits through recreational programs and services!

As noted by Robins Airman Leadership School Commandant Ronald T. Smith, MSgt, USAF, “The donation amount was a true testament to the dedication and commitment of the 28 student class. This project was all organized and planned by the students themselves and shows that our US Air Force is in good hands with these future leaders.”

Thanks, MSgt Smith. We couldn’t agree more!

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