Why I ADVOCATE- Lt. Col. Glendon A. Fraser's Story

Orange County United Way recently honored Lt. Col. Glendon Fraser for his 13 years of dedicated volunteer service on behalf of the Orange County community.  Lt. Col. Fraser turned his lifelong passion for aviation into a non-profit organization that promotes the field, especially to youth.  The following is his story of advocacy, volunteerism, and why he believes Orange County United Way is a strong community partner.

Glendon Fraser is currently a Lieutenant Colonel for the New York Air National Guard (NYANG).  He is a pilot for the 105^th Airlift Wing located in Newburgh and has been employed by the NYANG for 23 years.  While serving in the Air National Guard, Lt. Col. Fraser has received many medals for outstanding service.  He is also a Founding Member and the President of the Major General Irene Trowell-Harris chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., located on the Stewart Air National Guard Base.  As chapter President, Lt. Col. Fraser has overseen the distribution of more than $125,000 in tuition grants to 115 recipients.  A passionate advocate for aviation, he is an active member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Personnel, and has also overseen the development, implementation, and continuation of the Lee A. Archer, Jr. Red Tail Youth Flying Program, which promotes youth in aviation through mentoring and the sharing of life skills. "The United Way was there when we needed them to begin our Lee Archer Red Tail Youth Flying Program. Without United Way’s continued support, we would not have had the resources to mentor young adults from the Hudson Valley. I am well aware of the impact they have in the community because of the various groups and boards that I belong to. There is no doubt in my mind that the United Way helps to multiply the efforts of hard working volunteer programs such as ours."

~Lt. Col. Glendon Fraser

We'd love to hear your story about why you GIVE, ADVOCATE, or VOLUNTEER in your community.  Feel free to share it here.

Why I VOLUNTEER - Robert E. Hatfield, Jr.'s Story

We at United Way thought our blog offered a perfect opportunity for others to share their experiences with Orange County United Way and to express why they GIVE, ADVOCATE or VOLUNTEER in our community.  The following is a statement given to us by this year's Marion S. Murphy "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" Award winner:

Robert E. Hatfield, Jr.
Vice President of Government Banking
Citizens Bank

“My introduction to United Way came on October 10, 1969. I remember the date because it was my fifth day at my new career with The Prudential Insurance Company of America. It was also the day that the Newburgh office kicked off its annual United Way campaign. I saw a film that showed three short stories about common people helping their neighbors. However, one stood out above the rest. It was the story about an elderly gentleman showing a group of young teenagers how to create a community vegetable garden for the neighborhood. It was my first introduction to “sweat equity” and it reminded me of the Newburgh I grew up in. Needless to say, the garden was a success and the neighborhood pride was measured in smiles. This story, like the other two, created a very emotional decision in me to help my community as best as I could. So, 42 years later, the love affair with United Way still exists. Lucky me!”

~ Robert E. Hatfield, Jr.

Click here to view Orange County United Way's Annual Dinner journal and read more about Bob Hatfield's amazing 42-year volunteer history.

We'd like to start a community dialogue, so please feel free to share your story of why you GIVE, ADVOCATE or VOLUNTEER in your community.