Murtha Sailor Recognized for Outstanding Volunteer Service

INDIAN OCEAN

06.21.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom  

Amphibious Squadron 5

INDIAN OCEAN – “Make a Difference!” The slogan of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), named after the Vietnam Marine officer and later congressman, John P. Murtha, is used to instill a sense of pride and drive in the Sailors and embarked Marines aboard. Operations Specialist 1st Class Ryane Sipes is one such Sailor.

Hailing from Charlotte, N.C., Sipes has spent the last seven years volunteering his time giving back to the communities he has been a part of, and was recognized for his efforts by receiving the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, June 1, 2019.

“I had put in for this awhile back,” said Sipes. “I didn’t really know how it would go as each commanding officer has their own policy for what they like to see. I thought I would be good to go and it was a welcomed surprise when I finally got it. Felt really good to accomplish it.”

Sipes began his volunteer journey back in 2012 when he was stationed on the east coast.

“I started as a junior second class back in 2012 when I was stationed at Navy Recruiting District New England,” said Sipes. “I would volunteer with ‘Semper Fi Parents’ which was a Marine Corps parent-run program to support the troops. Baby steps into full strides to get me volunteering at large events.”

Giving back to the different communities that Sipes is a part of provides him with a sense of accomplishment.

“I just like the feeling,” said Sipes. “Whenever you give back, whether it’s cleaning up a beach, an estuary or even the smallest thing like working at the San Diego Food Bank; the feeling you get afterwards is the most rewarding thing. It’s hard to put into words the feeling I get when I finish volunteering.”

When he is back home with his family, Sipes daughters get involved as well, something Sipes takes great pride and enjoyment in.

“It’s even more rewarding getting my girls involved,” said Sipes. “They love doing these things with me, and to teach them at such an early stage in life how to give back, be a great citizen, and to preserve your environment for future generations; it plays a big part in our life.”

During a port visit to Visakhapatnam, India, Sipes continued his volunteer service visiting a children’s home and he looks forward to continuing his volunteer work in future ports. He also encourages junior Sailors to volunteer for the right reasons.

“All of the mentors I’ve had, they’ve all told me the same thing, ‘do the right thing,’” said Sipes. “If volunteering feels like the right thing and it makes you feel good, then go out there and do it. It does actually make a difference.”

John P. Murtha is currently on its first deployment and part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) team and is deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operation to support regional stability, reassure partners and allies, and maintain a presence postured to respond to any crisis ranging from humanitarian assistance to contingency operations.

• Date Taken: 06.21.2019
• Date Posted: 06.25.2019 12:23
• Story ID: 329051
• Location: INDIAN OCEAN