Submitted by Brian Truskey, Communications apprentice at Land Between The Lakes
How important are volunteers at Land Between The Lakes?
While driving on the north end of Land Between The Lakes, volunteer Richard Marlar noticed a vehicle stuck in a ditch. The man inside the vehicle had been trapped there overnight, without his medication. Richard recognized the danger, called law enforcement, and stayed with the man until help arrived. Without his aid, the man may have been stuck there even longer.
“Volunteers like Richard give so much to Land Between The Lakes, and ask nothing in return,” says Gary Hawkins, Recreation Program Specialist. “The service he provides is priceless. We are truly fortunate to have volunteers like him.”
When snowstorms hit Land Between The Lakes this year, Richard made sure to check on the regular campers to ensure they had gotten out safely. And last year, while making his rounds, he came upon a man who had been bitten by a snake and made calls to help him get medical attention.
“Richard is hardworking, considerate, and family oriented,” says Boneta Robinson, Infrastructure Coordinator.
“We all love his sweet nature and willingness to help anyone he can in any way,” commented Ileana Barnett.
When he’s not saving lives, Richard helps out with other less grandiose, but no less important tasks for which we here at Land Between The Lakes are grateful. He helps with the maintenance, monthly inspections, and servicing of Forest Service vehicles. He also reports road hazards, stays in touch with the regular campers to make sure they are doing alright, cleans recreation areas, and reports maintenance needs, among other things.
To Richard Marlar, and all the volunteers at Land Between The Lakes, thank you.
We greatly appreciate your efforts.
If you are interested in Volunteering at Land Between The Lakes, visit http://friendsoflbl.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.php, call 270-924-2007, or email [email protected].
Watch for Volunteer opportunities posted on the Friends of Land Between The Lakes Facebook Page, www.facebook/FriendsofLandBetweenTheLakes.
