News

Reservist displays passion for humanitarian efforts through volunteering

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nicole Celestine
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Many Americans take water resources for granted. They don't realize its value until it's unavailable. However, there are a number of communities around the world without regular access, if any, to drinkable water.

This reality sank in deep for a Reserve C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster from the 728th Airlift Squadron, who volunteered to highlight and help the global water relief efforts currently taking place in Nicaragua.

"It's always rewarding to pursue something you're passionate about," said Staff Sgt. Jon Polka. "This is especially good if it benefits other people somehow and broadens your horizons. Carrying our spirit of service and volunteerism beyond our military commitments can be very rewarding to all parties involved."

Sergeant Polka's passion for capturing life in snapshots developed a deeper understanding of those in need and an appreciation of the 446th Airlift Wing's worldwide humanitarian efforts.

He spent three weeks in August last year as a volunteer photographer for Blue Planet Network, a San Francisco-based organization that raises funds for non-governmental organizations dealing with the world water crisis. The Seattle University student's photographs made it possible for organizations, donors, and interested third parties around the world to view project details and access interviews with beneficiaries.

"I worked with Para La Vida and El Porvenir, two non-governmental organizations that deliver clean drinking water to communities that lack access," Sergeant Polka said. "The people were very gracious, showing me their projects which often took long off-road drives with hiking and/or horseback riding to get there. The Agua Para La Vida folks took care of all my logistical needs and even threw me a party before I left."

Sergeant Polka, a photography major, said he wanted to gain experience working with non-governmental organizations overseas and contribute toward the relief effort. Through volunteering, he was able to satisfy his love for travelling and meeting people from communities that were not typical tourist hot spots. Brushing up on his Spanish through the Nicaraguan culture was a bonus.

"I take notice when people take a step outside the comfortable boundaries we often set for ourselves," said Senior Master Sgt. Rich Lutz, 728th AS loadmaster resource manager, who is also Sergeant Polka's supervisor. "I am especially impressed when stepping outside those boundaries leads to a better understanding of other people and cultures. It is more than commendable that Jon took his time to help our neighbors in Nicaragua."

Sergeant Polka said volunteering reinforced his ability to adapt to different situations, a skill he said he will be applying toward future assignments that fall outside basic aircrew operations. He recommends pursuing opportunities that broaden horizons because they influence what activities a person will participate in.

"As a Reservist, when you are operating in a military capacity, you know the mission comes first and you must do certain things to make sure that happens," Sergeant Polka. "Similarly, volunteering forced me to go beyond myself and try to do justice to what I was seeing and experiencing."