Fort Buchanan Volunteers Honored After 61 Years of Service

When soldiers deploy halfway around the world, volunteers back home make sure their families don't face challenges alone.

Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico just celebrated 61 years of Army Community Service, honoring the volunteers who provide critical support to military families. On July 23, service members, families, and community members gathered at Las Casas Lake Recreational Area for kayaking, volleyball, and family activities while recognizing the people who make their community stronger.

The celebration comes at a crucial time. Hundreds of service members assigned to Fort Buchanan remain deployed across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, with more units preparing to mobilize.

"For 61 years, Army Community Service has provided critical support to our Soldiers and their families," said Command Sgt. Maj. Kimberly Bergman-Gándara. "None of that would be possible without our volunteers, whose dedication strengthens our community every day."

Army Community Service offers free programs including financial counseling, employment assistance, relocation help, and family support. Volunteers play an essential role in delivering these services, from running programs to organizing family events that help military children adjust to frequent moves.

The Ripple Effect

Capt. José Rafael Aponte-Sánchez recently arrived at Fort Buchanan with his family and experienced the impact firsthand. The Army Community Service team stayed engaged with his family, explaining available resources and making the transition smoother than previous moves in his military career.

The anniversary celebration served a deeper purpose beyond recognition. Military families move frequently, making it hard for children to build friendships. Events like this give kids a chance to meet before school starts, easing one of the toughest parts of military life.

For Aponte-Sánchez's son, the event meant finally getting to kayak after wanting to try for a long time. These small moments of normalcy matter when a parent's job requires constant change and sacrifice.

Bergman-Gándara emphasized that caring for families directly strengthens military readiness. When soldiers know someone is supporting their loved ones at home, they can focus fully on their mission.

Fort Buchanan supports approximately 15,000 active duty service members and their families, proving that strong communities are built one volunteer hour at a time.