Volunteer goes above, beyond ACUs

Laura M. Levering/Northwest Guardian

When Sgt. Mary Yonts was asked to be her unit’s family readiness group treasurer, she eagerly accepted the position. For Yonts, being a contributing member of her unit goes beyond wearing ACUs.

“Anytime there are events, I want to be there for the Soldiers and their families,” said Yonts, an internment resettlement specialist with 67th Military Police Company, 508th MP Battalion.

As a Soldier and spouse of a service member, Yonts understands the importance of FRGs, especially during times of separation. So when the preceding FRG treasurer left for school, leaving the position unfilled, the decision to step up and fill it was an easy one for Yonts.

“Once the unit deployed, there weren’t a lot of people left behind, and I wanted to make sure that someone was involved with the FRG,” she said. “”I was always at their functions ... every FRG meeting, every FRG event. I wanted to make sure I was there for the families.”

As FRG treasurer, Yonts keeps track of finances by maintaining a checkbook, matches monthly statements from the bank to her records and makes sure transactions are authorized before using funds for FRG functions. She also briefs the unit commander on a monthly basis.

“I’m responsible, but ultimately it’s the commander’s responsibility to make sure that I am keeping the funds properly,” Yonts said. “If we were to do something that was not within regulation or the statements don’t match up, then that ends up falling on the commander.”

Being FRG treasurer requires a very organized and detail-oriented person – two traits that make Yonts perfect for the position, said Angelina Ramirez, family readiness support assistant for 42nd MP Brigade.

“Managing finances is no easy task,” Ramirez said. “Sergeant Yonts makes me proud to be an FRSA for the brigade because it shows me that with dedication and pride in what she does that things can run very successfully.”

Aware that not everyone is cut out to handle finances, Yonts said that’s just one of the reasons she volunteered for the position. She finds satisfaction in knowing she contributes in such a way that directly benefits fellow Soldiers and their family members.

“If someone’s not there to help maintain the finances, then our Soldiers and families aren’t really able to take advantage of any money that is earned from our fundraisers,” Yonts said. “Being in this position and knowing that I’m helping with the families and unit is an honor and fulfilling.”

Yonts’ efforts have paid off in dividends. Since becoming treasurer just over a year ago, the unit has hosted two bowling events at no cost to the Soldiers and families.

“Stuff like that wouldn’t be possible without an FRG treasurer,” she said.

Yonts acknowledged that while it is hard for some people to make a commitment like she has, anybody can make a difference by volunteering.

“Whether it be the FRG or some other volunteer position, someone else being there sometimes helps that other person out, and you don’t ever really realize how much of an effect that volunteer has made on the individual,” Yonts said.