Team McChord service members can now participate in a volunteer program enhancing community outreach efforts at Carter Lake Elementary School through the Partnership in Education, or PIE, program.

Members can volunteer as groups or individuals to read to students or assist teachers with recess and lunchtime duties throughout the school year in support of military children and families as a whole.

"Team McChord wants to establish a safe and successful volunteer program which supports our surrounding school districts and facilities thereby enhancing individual child education and fostering appreciation for military service," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Julie Rice, 62d Airlift Wing Inspector General superintendent of complaints and resolutions. "Our goal is to help enrich student academic and social experiences and promote learning in a safe, caring environment."

The military volunteers benefit by contributing to and being involved, fostering greater understanding between educators, students and the military.   

"I enjoy volunteering during recess, helping the students in the lunchroom and hearing about their loved ones in the military," said Rice. "The children always ask if I'm in the Army or the Air Force, and I explain that we wear the same uniform, but there are small differences."

The newly established PIE program enables military sponsors to help schools meet educational goals by providing students with experiences that enhance overall academic and social education. 

"Volunteering with this program is important because it helps us connect with the youth in our military community and better understand the experiences and contributions of the service members and families around us," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Darby Chaloupka, 627th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency management flight commander. "I would encourage folks to take the opportunity to volunteer. The time commitment is flexible and there are many opportunities to volunteer throughout the school year. It's a fantastic way to invest in the JBLM community."

Volunteers must complete a background check and take two short computer-based trainings before they can sign up. Follow the steps below to get started:

Step 1: Copy and paste the following link into your browser to begin the volunteer background check.

HTTPS://WWW.CLOVERPARK.K12.WA.US/CMS/ONE.ASPX?PORTALID=236158&PAGEID=37101835

Step 2: Once the background check is approved, copy and paste the next link to sign up for a spot. HTTPS://WWW.SIGNUPGENIUS.COM/GO/10C0849ADAC2FA3FAC61-CARTER1