MWHS-2 family recognized by Havelock MAC

Photo By Cpl. Victor A. Arriaga | Petty Officer First Class Carie L. Olson, her family and members of Havelock’s Military Affairs Committee come together after Olson and her family were named Service Family of the Quarter Oct. 22 at El Cerro Mexican Bar and Grill. Olson and her family were invited to the restaurant to be recognized for their volunteer efforts in the community such as volunteering for baseball teams, cheerleading squads and hurricane cleanup. Olson is a hospital corpsman with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2.  

HAVELOCK, NC, UNITED STATES

10.31.2013

Story by Pfc. Victor A. Arriaga 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

HAVELOCK, N.C. - Havelock’s Military Affairs Committee named Petty Officer 1st Class Carie L. Olson and her family the Service Family of the Quarter Oct. 22 at a local restaurant in Havelock, N.C.

Olson and her family were invited to dinner to be recognized for their volunteer efforts in the community such as volunteering for baseball teams, cheerleading squads and hurricane cleanup.

“We like to see families and how they participate in the community,” said Stephanie Duncan, the executive director of the Havelock Chamber of Commerce. “We want to see how they give back to the community and that’s what the Olson’s did.”

Olson said she was surprised that the community went above and beyond to recognize her family for the things they do.

“It was very overwhelming and unexpected to be recognized by the community,” said Olson.

“My husband and I were totally surprised when I got a phone call explaining what was going on.”

Olson, a hospital corpsman for Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, said things can get busy with her job, but she will still find time to do volunteer service either by herself or with her family. Olson’s service did not go unnoticed; her children began to emulate her behavior and started volunteering on their own.

“She’s been such an influence that our daughter has been trying to start her own fundraiser,” said Staff Sgt. Jeremy Olson, a maintenance controller with Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 and Olson’s husband. “She’s only 11 and already wants to get involved with the community.”

Olson’s volunteer work and her influence on her children were also noticed by her peers at work.

“Olson and I have known each other for a long time,” said Chief Petty Officer Sherry Morris, a hospital medic with MWHS-2. “I have been blessed to be her leader for a couple years now and the things that she does day in and day out are amazing.”

At the end of the day, the Olson’s said that they are just like everyone else and approach life one leg at a time.

“I was blown away by the community support for us and it’s amazing,” said Jeremy. “We don’t feel special because we just do what comes naturally just like everyone else.”

• Date Taken: 10.31.2013
• Date Posted: 10.31.2013 08:59
• Story ID: 115997
• Location: HAVELOCK, NC, US