National Volunteer Recognition Week: Spotlight on Carol Highhouse

Carol Highhouse

Carol Highhouse serves as our National Volunteer Program Director and our IL/IN Foster Coordination Liaison. She is always going above and beyond, accepts additional responsibilities, provides excellent customer service to our clients and FHs as the IL and IN FCL, overall responsible for the organization’s Volunteer Program, follow ups on any cases where there may be an issue, maintains open communications with the National office, follows and adheres to the organization’s official policies and processes, and always submits the Volunteer Service Hours and Monthly Activity Reports in a timely manner. She became a volunteer with Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet on July 14, 2011 as the IN Foster Coordination Liaison.

When asked why she does it, Carol responded with:

“Nearly four years ago, I found out about Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet through an internet search when I was looking for an opportunity to foster dogs.  I’ve always loved pets and the combination of supporting the military AND helping pets was too good to pass up.  Since I retired, I have time to give back in ways I couldn’t while I was working.  Through Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet I have met so many wonderful volunteers, foster families and soldiers.  I was able to foster Jasper, a loving and energetic Dalmatian, as well as coordinate numerous foster arrangements throughout Indiana and Illinois.  I am currently serving on the National Support Team as the National Volunteer Director, too.  Volunteering to help our military service members and their pets is a great “feel good” opportunity.  I love to see the reunion photos.  It always brings tears to my eyes.”

Thank you Carol for your time, dedication and passion towards our mission.  You are a gem to work with and we are very appreciative for your hard work.

Announcement: New Regional Directors Provide Better Customer Service to our MSM’s

All volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit military and veteran service organization cares for military and veterans’ companion pets.

Gatesville, TX, January 8, 2013 – Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet© announces organizational changes to better serve and assist the military communities around the country with the addition of the Regional Director volunteer position.

This new role was established to provide additional assistance and guidance to our state level coordination volunteers currently in place plus oversee the efforts within the states assigned to a specific region.

In addition, the Regional Directors will act as a liaison between the State Support Teams in their respective region and the organization’s National Office plus the National Staff, providing a higher level of service to our Clients, their beloved furbabies, foster home volunteers plus our state level volunteers across the country.

The newly appointed Regional Directors for the organization are as follows:

Central Region: Heather O’Brien
Covering: IA, KS, NE, ND, and SD

Southern Region: Cherie Boudreaux
Covering: AZ, LA, NM, and TX

Southeastern Region: Shawna Michaud
Covering: AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MS, NC, SC, and TN

Eastern Region: JoAnn Pilston
Covering: DE, NJ, PA, WV

About Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet©:
ALL volunteer 501c3 nonprofit “Military & Veterans Service Organization” (MVSO) supporting our active duty Military, Wounded Warriors, homeless Veterans, and their beloved Pets to ensure the pets are reunited with their owners following a deployment related to a combat or peace-keeping or humanitarian mission or unforeseen medical and/or homeless hardship situation through various programs, services, and capital projects. For more information about who we are, our programs/projects, and ways to help, visit www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org

Media Inquiries: mediarelations@guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org

Why I decided… (Illinois)

… to volunteer.

“The source of my motivation to volunteer for a pet related 501(c)3 Military Support Organization has personal origins. I am a ten and a half year military veteran of active duty Air Force and Air National Guard. I know from first hand experience the challenges military members face when away from their families. I see the stressful and anxious reactions my dogs give when I take out my military gear and prepare to leave, as well as their joy and excitement when I return. I truly understand how my absence affects my pets and my family. If I can assist in reducing the pain and separation anxiety for other military members and their pets, then I would be more than happy to oblige. Part of my dedication to the military includes my commitment to my family, my pets, and my extended military family.”

– TSgt. Lani Nishimura, Illinois Director

 

 

Why do you volunteer?