Featured Volunteer: Matthew Kammer

Name: Matthew Kammer
Work: Director of Chaplaincy Services at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD
Member since: 2003
Volunteer service: Ethics Commission and South Dakota State Liaison
Book on your nightstand: The Rule of Benedict: A Spirituality for the 21st Century by Joan Chittister, OSB
Favorite fun self-care activity: Running, pushups, pull-ups, dips, sit-ups

Favorite movie: City Slickers
Favorite retreat spot: Any place or activity on the family farm
Personal mentor or role model: Grandpa Helmut
Famous/historic mentor or role model: Paul Harvey
Why did you become a chaplain? In my junior year of college, my professor asked me how I saw myself helping people. I told her I wanted to meet people where they are at, hear their unique stories and never have to judge or place a human-made value on them. She said, “You sound like a chaplain,” and helped me enroll in my first unit of CPE my senior year. The rest was history!
What do you get from NACC? Connection, guidance and support from a community of caring individuals who believe in the sacredness and the professionalism of an amazing healing Ministry.
Why do you volunteer? I grew up in small Midwestern farm community that taught that volunteering is the heart of growth and sustainability in any community so that no needs go unmet.
What have you learned from volunteering? Humility