Military Family of the Quarter: The Smalls go big

Photo By Cpl. Unique B. Roberts | Petty Officer First class Zachary Small with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Marine Unit Cherry Point and family was awarded the Military Family of the Quarter for Havelock N.C., during a reception at Crabby Patty's. The event was hosted by Gary Baldree, the chairmen of the Military Affairs Committee (Left) and Stephanie Duncan, the executive director with Havelock Chamber of Commerce July 23. The family completed countless hours of community service in local schools, for sports associations and throughout the military community. Their service enabled them to be nominated and win the title of Military Family of the Quarter.  

CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

07.25.2013

Story by Pfc. Unique B. Roberts 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CHERRY POINT, N.C. - The Havelock Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee honored the Military Family of the Quarter during a reception in Havelock Tuesday.

The recipients were Petty Officer First Class Zachary Small, with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Marine Unit Cherry Point, and his wife, Jaclyn. Small is the lead petty officer for the cryogenics school aboard the air station.

“The chamber has been presenting this award for more than 13 years,” said Gary Baldree, the chairman of the Military Affairs Committee. “It’s been part of our program for a long time.”

Upon receiving the award, Small and his family expressed great gratitude.

“I feel humble. I didn’t even know this award existed,” said Small. “You don’t do it to get recognized – but for them to see that it’s not just me but my wife too – it means a lot actually. It’s more (meaningful) than any other award because it recognizes the family,” said Small.

The committee awards Cherry Point service members each quarter to show appreciation for exceptional service and community involvement.

For a year and a half, Small and his family have been working hard and making it their charge to help others in and around Havelock.

Small has dedicated more than 32 hours to volunteering, offering his services to the Havelock Elementary School Spring Carnival and the Meals on Wheels program, committing his free time to providing food to those in need. He also volunteered at the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band Christmas concert.

Jaclyn is involved with volunteering as well.

During 2012-2013, Jaclyn took on the role of head coach of the Cherry Point cheerleading team. She volunteered more than 65 hours in which she held 13 practices and performed for eight games. While coaching, Jaclyn’s main focus was safety and teamwork. While working with Marine Corps Community Services, Jaclyn designed, planned and implemented a cheerleading program that has been approved for the summer of 2013.

Jaclyn said she doesn’t expect anything in return except for her experience to be awesome.

“I was very impressed with the family itself,” said Baldree. “I was very excited to see that they were selected.”

Although the family has been recognized for their achievements, they plan to continue their volunteer work.

Jaclyn remains committed to cheerleading and Zachary is preparing for a dragon boat race later on in the month.

After setting the standard for excellence, the Smalls have set the bar high for future Military Family of the Quarter Award nominees, said Baldree.

• Date Taken: 07.25.2013
• Date Posted: 07.25.2013 09:36
• Story ID: 110787
• Location: CHERRY POINT, NC, US