CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - It is better to give than to receive, and a battalion with 2nd Marine Logistics Group has certainly personified this lesson.
With the holiday season quickly passing by, Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 22 proposed an idea to Darlene M. Kern, the unit’s family readiness officer.
They wanted to host a food drive.
A family readiness officer, or FRO, is a liaison between commanding officers and families of Marines and routinely organizes events such as this.
Kern took the idea to the commanding officer of CLB-22, Lt. Col. William P. Carroll, who approved the drive to run from November 14 to 20.
“The community gives so much to the Marines and sailors,” said Kern. “The battalion wanted to give back to the community and other servicemembers as well.”
Each section of the battalion donated food items such as cereal, pasta and vegetables. Six Marines joined Kern to load 16 overflowing boxes and bags into a vehicle and headed to the USO. Upon arrival, the Marines unloaded the non-perishable goods for the thankful staff.
Pfc. Sarah A. Steiert, a motor transport operator with CLB-22, was one of the six Marines who helped move the goods from the unit’s collection point on Camp Lejeune to the USO.
“Whether it’s right around the corner, or in the rest of the United States or even another country, every mission is really important.” Steiert said. “I’m always happy to help out wherever I can.”
This was the first time CLB-22 ran a food drive, said Kern. It probably won’t be the last, however, and the battalion will not have any problems finding people to help.
“If there are more opportunities like this, I would love to help,” said Pfc. Zachary T. Pealo, an ammunition technician with CLB-22. “We enjoy being able to provide for the folks who give us so much support.”