As we go about our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in our own concerns and forget about the larger world around us. But for many people, giving back to their communities and helping those in need is an essential part of life. This is undoubtedly true for Jay Hart, a retired Marine and dedicated volunteer who has made it his mission to give back to others in any way he can.

In 1969, at the age of 19, Jay enlisted in the Marine Corps and was sent to San Diego for boot camp. After completing his training, he was stationed at Quantico, Virginia, where he worked as an Administrative Supply Clerk. At Quantico, Jay was assigned to a division called the Weapons Training Battalion, where he was responsible for ordering supplies and keeping inventory. However, he soon received direction to go to Vietnam and was sent to Camp Pendleton in California for additional infantry training before being deployed overseas.

After leaving the military, Jay had a successful civilian career in the music and entertainment industry. However, he never forgot his time in the military and the sacrifices made by his fellow veterans. When he retired, he was eager to find ways to give back to his community and help others. That's when he heard about the Red Cross program called "Visiting Veterans" at Naples Community Hospital (NCH) in Naples, Florida.

The program is a partnership between the Red Cross and NCH, and it aims to connect volunteers with veterans who are currently in the hospital. As a veteran, Jay was immediately drawn to the program and began volunteering. During his visits, Jay introduces himself to the veterans and lets them know he is also a veteran. He talks to them about their experiences in the military, where they served, and what they did while they were in the service. He also encourages them to take advantage of the benefits that they have earned as veterans.

Jay's commitment to volunteerism doesn't stop with the Red Cross. Last summer, he and his daughter volunteered with the Appalachia Service Project. They traveled to the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia to repair and restore homes for families in need. The experience was incredibly rewarding, and Jay was touched by the gratitude shown by the families they helped. In addition to his work with the Red Cross and the Appalachia Service Project, Jay volunteers as a courtesy cart driver at NCH. He chauffeurs visitors around the parking lot to the hospital and emergency center, providing a valuable service to those in need.

For Jay, volunteering is more than just a way to fill his time in retirement. It's an essential part of his life and one that brings him a great deal of satisfaction and fulfillment. He believes that giving back to others is one of the most important things we can do as human beings.

Being retired now, Jay enjoys staying busy and helping others. "There is a real sense of reward and satisfaction that comes with volunteering," says Jay. "There is a good bit of pride associated with putting on the Red Cross shirt and having that feeling of being part of a team and a great organization."

Jay Hart's commitment to volunteerism and service is an inspiration to us all. His work with the Red Cross and other organizations shows that even in retirement, there are many ways to positively impact the world around us. Whether it's through volunteering at a hospital, repairing homes for families in need, or simply providing a ride to someone who needs it, every act of kindness can make a difference. As Jay himself says, "Giving back is something we should all try to do at some point in our lives. With it comes a real sense of satisfaction knowing you are trying to make a difference helping others."

If you want to help service members, veterans and their families, consider becoming a volunteer by visiting redcross.org/SFLvolunteer.

Written by Bret Hollander, American Red Cross Public Affairs