Family readiness offers volunteer opportunities

Photo By Cpl. D. J. Wu | An M1A1 main battle tank manned by Australian Army soldiers engage a target during the culminating attack in Exercise Gold Eagle 2013, at the Combat Center’s Prospect training area, June 30, 2013. (Official USMC photo by Cpl. D. J. Wu/released)  

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

07.12.2013

Story by Cpl. D. J. Wu 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Volunteering is something Marines, sailors and families can do to contribute to the community and help others. It brings you closer to the people around you and can have a lasting effect on the volunteer and the community.

There’s a lot you can do as a volunteer. There are many organizations in and around the Combat Center that are always looking for helping hands. Some of the avenues you can take are, family readiness officers, the Single Marine Program and the Armed Services YMCA.

Each battalion on base has a family readiness officer that takes care of their unit’s members. They often organize events for the battalion and are almost always looking for volunteers.

“There are so many volunteer opportunities for Marines and sailors to take part in,” said Meagan Bishoff, family readiness officer, Headquarters Battalion. “We’re always looking for volunteers here at the battalion, whether it be for a working party for an event or car washes and fundraisers.”

Volunteering has a number of perks, both personally and professionally. Volunteers are often recognized with letters of appreciation or with unit challenge coins. Marines and sailors can also earn the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for a certain amount of hours of dedicated service to the community. But more than awards, it is about being a part of the community you live in. With programs on base, you can get to know people throughout the base and make connections everywhere.

“For me, I volunteer for the camaraderie,” said Lance Cpl. Ashley Burnett, family readiness officer assistant, HQBN. “Working in the FRO’s office, I really get a chance to be around Marines. I’ve met a lot of people, some great Marines and a few great friendships while volunteering.”

• Date Taken: 07.12.2013
• Date Posted: 07.12.2013 16:53
• Story ID: 110137
• Location: CALIFORNIA, US