Keesler rallies volunteers for national event Published Oct. 9, 2007 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Last year, Keesler had a hard time finding places that needed volunteers for Make a Difference Day. This year on Oct. 27, a different approach should ensure every person who wants to help has a project that needs them, according to Lt. Col. Steven Ramsay, 332nd Training Squadron commander. "Last year, we had more than a thousand volunteers, but most of the places we called didn't have things for us to do," said Colonel Ramsay, whose squadron is spearheading Keesler's Make a Difference Day efforts for a second year. Make A Difference Day is a national day of neighbors helping neighbors created by USA Weekend Magazine that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. This year, Keesler is partnering with the American Red Cross, which is coordinating projects with the United Way in Harrison and Hancock counties to support organizations that have identified specific needs. "One of the Red Cross people got tears in her eyes when I told her we should have no problem getting at least 750 people to volunteer," Colonel Ramsay said. Now that more than two years have passed since Hurricane Katrina slammed the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the steady flow of volunteers from across the country is beginning to wane. The colonel said Red Cross officials have stressed the desperate need for volunteer support, especially in Hancock and west Harrison County. "We'd like Make a Difference Day to be a rallying point for Keesler that the need for volunteer assistance is still out there," Colonel Ramsay pointed out. "I'm passionate about volunteerism, and I'd like to see individuals and groups across the base, students, permanent-party members, civilians and family members, step up to fill the gap." For more information or to volunteer, call Colonel Ram-say, 228-377-3735, or Master Sgt. Tim Sheldon, 228-377-0288.