HELPING OTHERS, NO MATTER HIS LOCATION

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Nico Hucal. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Whether he’s in Kosovo or deep in the heart of Texas, Nico Hucal is dedicated to helping others. Nico is a volunteer with the Dyess We Care Team, an organization made up of active duty Air Force, civilians, retired military members and their families who help Abilene residents in need of minor home repairs. From painting houses to building wheelchair ramps, the Dyess We Care Team is there when the community is in need, and Nico is an essential component of the group. The organization also works with other agencies within the area, creating a patchwork of assistance that demonstrates how working together to help others fosters a healthy and happy community.

As a committee member of the DWCT, Nico focuses primarily on project planning and execution to ensure the group’s volunteer efforts directly benefit underserved members of the Abilene community, especially veterans, seniors and individuals with disabilities. He also looks forward to their unique annual events, like “Project Grad,” an all-night lock-in for Abilene’s high schoolers to have a drug- and alcohol-free space to celebrate their graduation. Currently deployed to Kosovo but living in Germany, his military career keeps him moving around the globe, which means maintaining a consistent, hands-on presence within the organization can be difficult. However, Nico manages to support the DWCT no matter his location by managing tasks like recognition and writing, and encouraging new volunteers to get involved. In the long run, his goal is to ensure that the organization remains strong and continues to grow – even if he can’t be there in person.

In the last seven years, Nico has dedicated over 530 hours to 68 projects with the DWCT. He’s led eight of these projects, with a service impact valued at $2,236,000. His time with the organization has been so successful that he’s now a member of the DWCT Board of Directors, where he has overseen nearly 5,000 volunteers. With the swing of a hammer or the stroke of a paintbrush, Nico is fostering community. His mission shows not only how valuable a service volunteering provides for the Abilene community that needs the assistance, but also for the service members and their families who deserve a thriving community of their own, no matter where they live.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I’ve always believed that a rising tide lifts all boats – and that the most honorable use of our talents is to help those in need. I take pride in the work I’ve done and the people I’ve been able to support. There’s no feeling more rewarding than knowing that no matter what happens in my own life, I’ve left the world better than I found it.

Tell us about your volunteer role with the Dyess We Care Team.

As a longtime member and volunteer with the Dyess We Care Team (DWCT), my role has evolved significantly over the years. I started out swinging hammers and painting fences on weekends, and eventually moved into project leadership, mentoring new volunteers and handling communications and award writing. Even now, while living overseas, I remain involved remotely by helping draft recognition packages and promoting the organization’s mission. I like to think of myself as one of the team’s biggest cheerleaders, whether I’m onsite or supporting from afar.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

Growing up, my parents instilled strong values in me and encouraged my involvement in the Boy Scouts and the Order of the Arrow – both of which emphasized service and leadership. After joining the military at 18, I found myself searching for a new way to get involved. I was fortunate to be stationed at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas, where I discovered the DWCT. What began as a way to fill my weekends soon became something far more meaningful. The DWCT became a second family, and volunteering became a way to connect with others and contribute to something greater. I was also impressed by the organization’s transparency – every dollar and every bit of effort truly goes toward helping those in need, and no money whatsoever goes into the pocket of anyone in the organization.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part has been watching fellow volunteers grow into leaders. Many join as young service members with little experience outside their training. Through the DWCT, they gain real-world leadership experience – organizing teams, managing logistics and seeing their efforts make a visible difference. Watching someone evolve from an unsure beginner to a confident leader is truly incredible.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

Volunteering has been one of the most educational experiences of my life. I’ve picked up skills I never expected – from carpentry and painting to fundraising and leadership. But more than that, I’ve learned how generous and patient people can be when asked to share their time or teach a skill. It’s a reminder that most people want to help – you just have to give them the opportunity.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

Volunteering connects you to your community and helps you grow as a person. In a fast-paced, digital world, it’s easy to overlook others’ struggles. Helping someone else often helps you, too – it brings purpose, perspective and connection. At the end of the day, there’s no greater cause than making life better for those around you.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

Start small. Don’t worry about changing the world overnight – if you can make one person’s life better, you’ve made a difference, and you should be proud of that. You don’t need a perfect plan or a huge impact. Just show up, lend a hand and do what you can. Enough small actions, done consistently, create real change.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

If there’s one message I want to share, it’s this: your neighbor matters. Extend your hand in fellowship. Make a small difference today – whether that’s picking up litter, returning a stray shopping cart or helping someone who can’t quite reach a lightbulb. These small acts of kindness add up. Together, they build stronger communities and a better world.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Nico? Find local volunteer opportunities.