Bobby’s Journey: Army air traffic controller to wish granter
With a variety of volunteering opportunities available, Bobby wants future volunteers to know their work will make a difference.
Former U.S. Army air-traffic controller, Bobby Lester, found herself with extra time during the peak of the pandemic in 2020.
Taking this as a sign for a new opportunity, she decided she wanted to make a difference as a Make-A-Wish Arizona volunteer.
“Everybody does their own volunteering and has their own job, but I don't think anybody assists the people that are behind the scenes that are working,” she said. “That was something that I wanted to do.”
“I love office work, which is gross to say, but I really enjoy doing data entry and the little things like sending out [thank you] cards and whatnot.”
One thing that stands out to Bobby in her volunteer experience is the comradery, the purpose and teamwork – all skills she learned while in the army.
“You know, the children and their parents, their family need us to take it seriously. This isn’t, you know, just show up and do this or that. This is important work,” said Bobby.
While she doesn’t take her volunteer role lightly, it doesn’t mean the work isn’t fun.
One of her favorite things about being a volunteer is sending off wish families at the airport before they leave for their child’s wish.
“They’re excited to go, and the children are excited to go. The brothers and sisters are so excited. It’s nice to lighten that load when you get to the airport and wonderful to walk around with the kids while they’re so happy.”
With a variety of volunteering opportunities available, Bobby wants future volunteers to know their work matters.
Every little thing that you can do – even if it's just doing an airport send off or doing a little data entry like what I do – every single day is super fulfilling.
Bobby Lester