I thought there might be some interest in the types of service we do weekly.  Remember we are serving the military at bases that respect all religions, and so we work at being a part of the support community.  There is a movement to dissolve the Chaplains offices in the military, so they are feeling threatened.  We want them to continue to offer support to troops, so we are happy to help any way they feel necessary. At Aviano Air Force Base we start Thursday out by folding and stuffing inserts in the programs for all the denominations that meet at the base chapel.  It takes a few hours, and so they hold their staff meeting during the time we are there, and we answer the phones and take messages for them.  They are very grateful for this support and are very helpful to us in return.  They let us use their conference room for Institute, and allow us to wear our badges on base, and in the chapel.  After we finish there we go to the base elementary school where we are applying school stickers and updating the library books.  This is more difficult as we are down on the floor, in Sunday best, pulling books for a couple of hours.  Elder Martin is sure any subject you think of has a children’s storybook written on it, and another illustrating it.  We have been doing this since February and are up to “HIB”, so our service at the school is outlined for next year.  We have gone through the extensive Red Cross background check procedure, and can now volunteer in support of the Red Cross.  Elder Martin is wondering if they need help at the base golf course?

At Vicenza Army Post we volunteer in the Thrift Shop, a DI type store where service families donate used items before they move.  We price items and stock them, and have very nice discussions with staff about family values, and the gift of freedom they are giving our country.  The chaplains at this Post believe wearing our missionary badges is a form of proselyting, so forbid our badges on the entire post.  Even the young Elders cannot wear their badges on Post.  We have had trouble getting the Chaplains to even give out contact information to new troops.  On Monday afternoon they let us use a back room for Institute when it’s empty.  We volunteer by bringing food to the USO, and talking to service members that are hanging out there sometimes.  Usually the talk and conduct improve when we are there.  They are such good guys for the most part, far from home and family, trying their best and we want them to know we support them.  After May we will only have one base to support, and so will explore more opportunities to serve, teach the members and remind them of God’s love for them