Volunteer Spotlight: Kiera Daniels

Horseplay volunteer Kiera Daniels says that when she was stationed at Travis Air Force Base three and a half years ago, she was looking for somewhere to volunteer. "When I went on the Web I found a site called volunteermatch.com. They matched me up with Horseplay. I guess you could say it was a perfect match."

Daniels is currently on a special duty assignment as an Airmen Leadership School Instructor. "As an instructor,"says Daniels, "I teach Senior Airman a five-week leadership and supervisory course to help them transition to Staff Sergeant. My original career field is as an Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) mechanic. AGE is all the equipment used while on the ground and to get the planes off the ground, for example generators, light carts, compressors, air conditioners, heaters, and maintenance stands."

"I have always been an avid volunteer," continues Daniels. "I have volunteered at probably every type of activity you can think of, but Horseplay is the first one that I looked forward to all week long. I think it comes down to something as simple as I truly enjoy it. I enjoy the riders and the smiles--and effort—they give you so freely. I enjoy the horses’ sweet natures, our weekly conversations, and coming up with the perfect nickname. I enjoy the other volunteers: their weekly stories about what happened during the sessions and the bond that develops after only a week or two. I enjoy the staff and seeing the passion they have for the program and its success."

In her leisure time—"What is that?" jokes Daniels—she enjoys spending time with her husband, playing with her kitties and just relaxing in our pool, "During the summer, not in the winter," she says with a smile.