"If I Don't, Who Will?" Don's Dedication to Service

When visitors arrive at Chamizal National Memorial’s administrative office, the first person they see is Don Muñiz—always ready to welcome them with a warm smile. Don exemplifies a spirit of service as an invaluable member of the Chamizal team. Supervised by Rosa Chavez, Don serves an administrative assistant and does an exceptional job supporting the administrative department. In honor of National Volunteer Month, we’re proud to highlight his dedication and contributions.

Powered by Service

Don’s volunteer service is part of a unique partnership between Chamizal and the AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program (AARP-SCSEP). The goal of the AARP-SCSEP is to place senior citizens into community service positions where they can learn new skills and gain experience. The partnership agreement between Chamizal and the AARP-SCSEP allows their trainees to be placed at our park and perform their work under our volunteer program, giving them the experience and benefits of being both a Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) and an AARP-SCSEP trainee.

Administrative staff are the behind-the-scenes heroes of what enables the operation of a National Park site. As an administrative assistant, Don’s volunteer work enables the administrative department to accomplish so much more. He helps tackle vital day-to-day operations, such as answering phone calls, collecting and distributing mail, and maintaining the mail log. Having a dedicated volunteer to manage these tasks means the administrative team can dedicate more time to the bigger picture projects like budget analysis and purchasing. The administrative assistant plays a vital role in keeping the park ecosystem running successfully.

Don stamping the mail he received

NPS Photo

Always Here to Help

Don Muñiz was a physical therapist assistant for over 34 years, during which he dedicated his time to helping improve his patients’ quality of life. “[Helping people] is part of my nature,” Don says. “If I don’t, who will? I feel less complete if I don't help people.” When AARP-SCSEP asked him what kind of training he’d like to participate in, Don said the most important aspect was having an opportunity to help people. Don was already familiar with Chamizal as a visitor, having attended special events here, and appreciates the great resources that the National Park Service offers to the public. He felt he could use his background in healthcare administration to assist the administrative team with their needs while also having the opportunity to learn new skills in a new field.

Don’s favorite part of volunteering at Chamizal is the way the staff work together as a team based on mutual respect and a shred mission to build lasting improvements. In the past two months since Don started, he’s seen that “everybody works well with each other and although there are levels of responsibility, they all work as one”. Knowing that he’s a valued and important member of the team is what motivates Don to continue his volunteer service. Everyday, Don contributes to Chamizal’s mission, and his efforts are genuinely appreciated.

Don sitting at the front desk of the administrative office.

NPS Photo

Trust and Teamwork

Making sure that Don continuously feels appreciated is a top priority for his supervisor, Rosa Chavez. Rosa is the budget and financial analyst for Chamizal National Memorial and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, and has supervised the AARP administrative volunteers for the past three years. “Don Muñiz makes such a positive difference as a volunteer here at Chamizal National Memorial, providing our park with a profound and lasting valuable impact to our community,” says Rosa.

Reciprocity and trust are important aspects of successful volunteer service. Rosa makes sure to frequently check in with Don throughout the day and encourages him to come to her with any questions. She prioritizes teaching him new skills, as well as encourages him to learn Chamizal’s history and mission. Don knows he can rely on Rosa for support, and Rosa knows she can rely on Don to accomplish necessary administrative duties.

Don and Rosa in front of a Chamizal National Memorial sign.

NPS Photo

Future in Motion

Reflecting on his service so far, Don says his biggest accomplishment is the comradery he’s developed as part of the Chamizal team, and knowing that people who need assistance can count on him. Don brought his wife and son to our National Junior Ranger Day celebration and felt proud to show them what his volunteer service helps support. He'd like to share the impactful experience with his son, saying, “perhaps one day my son can help with a project; it would be a good learning experience for him”.

Going forward, Don plans to continue developing his administrative skills and will tackle more extensive administrative projects. He hopes to be involved in developing programs for encouraging seniors to get involved at the park.

Thank you, Don and Rosa!

We’re incredibly grateful for the contributions of Don Muñiz and Rosa Chavez. Their partnership is a fantastic example to other volunteer-supervisor teams in the National Park Service, and demonstrates how behind-the-scenes work is vital to keep parks running strong.

Interested in making a difference like Don? Chamizal National Memorial is always looking for new volunteers. Learn more about Chamizal’s VIP program and apply on Volunteer.gov.