It has long been said that the lifeblood of the USS Midway Museum is its volunteers. Today, more than 850 strong, this remarkable team – made up of former military personnel, retired doctors, teachers and people from all walks of life – not only keeps the museum running each day, but is also the driving force behind Midway’s stellar reputation and world-class guest experience.
Midway, however, doesn’t rest on its laurels when it comes to this dedicated assembly of talent. The search for new volunteers is never ending.
“It’s critical that we bring new volunteers on board,” said Jack Gale, Midway’s director of docents. “Generally speaking, the vast majority our volunteers are retirees. To ensure we don’t become captive to Father Time, we spend a considerable amount of time looking for people who might be interested in donating a few hours a week or month to the museum.”
Oftentimes, the volunteers themselves become the best recruiters.
Long-time docent, Fred Shatsky, is constantly on the lookout for people that could see Midway as a potential volunteer opportunity. As president of “Get Off You Rockers,” an active sports and social club in San Diego for adults aged 50 and older, Fred recently introduced members of this association to the museum.
“I believe some of the Get Off Your Rockers members would be good Midway volunteers for the same reasons I have found my Midway experience so rewarding,” said Fred, who has been a Midway docent since 2004 and has amassed more than 10,000 volunteer hours. “Volunteering offers well-known benefits for seniors, and even those who are less socially inclined can find meaningful and engaging opportunities to get involved with on Midway. There are already a few Get Off Your Rockers members who are Midway volunteers.”
During the tour personally guided by Fred, this group of Get Off Your Rockers saw virtually the entire ship.
“Visiting the Midway is always a special treat,” said Bryson Pennoyer, a retired electrical engineer. “With all the unique personal experiences and stories told by Fred, it was an outstanding day. I also appreciated observing the efforts that the volunteers and staff put into making the Midway a major attraction for our town. I enjoyed every minute of the tour.”
Laurie Switzer, Midway’s director of volunteers, has spent more than 20 years ensuring that the museum’s treasure chest of volunteers is swelled to the brim. She appreciates connecting with organizations like Get Off Your Rockers as excellent opportunities to find new Midway volunteers.
“We are excited to give this opportunity to Get Off Your Rockers,” said Laurie, who joined the Midway team in 2004. “Active retirees find the Midway volunteer program to be an inspiration, even if it’s just looking in from the outside. We hope other retirement groups here in San Diego will connect with us. Many consider the Midway to be a fountain of youth.”
Although Fred hopes to interest more Get Off Your Rockers members to Midway in the future, this recent visit has already been a success.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Midway Museum,” said Judi Spuris, the founder of an interior plantscape company. “Exploring the ship’s operational areas and learning about the lives of its crew made the experience both educational and memorable. I particularly appreciated the description of Midway’s volunteer opportunities presented by Laurie, Midway’s volunteer director. On our tour, Fred introduced me to the Knot Team leader, Emory. What I learned from Laurie, Fred and Emory inspired me to apply to become a volunteer for the Knot Team.”
Midway is once again proving to be great place to get off your rocker.
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