Members of Nellis/Creech 5/6 Network volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Published Nov. 4, 2009 By Airman Cynthia A. Haughton Nellis Public Affairs LAS VEGAS -- What started six months ago as a once-a-month event has evolved and drawn more volunteers than was ever expected. Twice a month, the Nellis and Creech 5/6 Network prepares and serves meals to the residents of the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Las Vegas. With approximately 4,400 members from Nellis and Creech, the 5/6 Network wanted to get more involved in the community and make a bigger impact. When the Ronald McDonald House was chosen to be their next volunteer venue, the support from the network was incredible. "At first, we planned on volunteering once a month, but there were so many people offering to help and making donations to the house that we decided to go twice a month," said Staff Sgt. James Silcott, noncommissioned officer in charge of the First Term Airmen Course, and president of the Nellis/Creech 5/6 Network. "We put the information on the Communities of Practice website, and it shows that the list fills up with volunteers five seconds after being posted," he said. Among many things, the Ronald McDonald House provides a home for out-of-town families while a child is in the hospital, said Janet Linder, Ronald McDonald House of Greater Las Vegas executive director. "It costs $50,000 a month to run the house, and all that money is provided by donations from individuals, corporations and fundraising," she said. "We really appreciate the fact that the volunteers from Nellis and Creech know about us and are so willing to help." "The families here are very grateful that there is a meal already made when they get home from the hospital, and the interaction is great; the families feel the love from everybody," added Mrs. Linder. Tech. Sgt. Rob Mediavilla, Nellis Support Center superintendent, and an active member of the 5/6 Network, was one of eight volunteers at the house Oct. 28, 2009. "This was the first time I cooked at the Ronald McDonald House, and it was such a good experience," he said. "I love cooking, and I went to culinary school, so it's great to be able to use my talent to give back to the community." "So many people are always willing to volunteer," said Sergeant Silcott. "Things like this really bring our network together." There are many things besides cooking that can be done to help the children and families at the Ronald McDonald House, and they are always looking for volunteers. To learn about more ways to help, visit www.rmhlv.com.
