MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Volunteer opportunities are abundant aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, and the Single Marine Program provides single and unaccompanied service members an opportunity to serve their community.
More than 20 Marines and sailors volunteered for the House of Joy Marine Weekend, July 13. The Weekend entailed processing medical supplies for distribution both locally and to third world countries.
“Volunteering is a great opportunity to help people,” said Michelle Dunkle, the Single Marine Program activities programmer. “We’re always looking for volunteers. I will never turn away anything that helps the community.”
The SMP serves as the voice for single and unaccompanied service members, said Dunkle.
“I set the example by leading from the front,” said Sgt. Cornelius D. Davis, the segregations noncommissioned officer in charge at the ammunition supply point with 2nd Supply Battalion. “I’m usually the first one to jump right in and try to get the wheel rolling. Also, I keep a positive attitude throughout whatever volunteer event I am doing.”
This nation loves seeing service members said Sgt. Maj. Ernest K. Hoopii, the Marine Corps Installations-East, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune sergeant major.
“Every service member is a volunteer, so seeing Marines and sailors aboard base volunteer their time is very important,” Hoopii continued.
Members of the program also have the opportunity to volunteer their time at the American Red Cross, Big Brother Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club and Camp Lejeune Young Marines.
“Not only do you receive a letter of appreciation,” said Dunkle. “You serve the children and adults in the community.”
“This past winter, one of my Marines and I did long term volunteering as youth sports coaches,” said Davis. “We taught these children from square one and the improvement after three or four months was incredible. That feeling you get when a little girl or boy makes their first goal after trying for months to no avail is indescribable.”
The volunteer section at the SMP releases rosters weekly with volunteering opportunities and is open to single and unaccompanied service members.
Marine Corps installations established the Single Marine Program to give Marines and sailors an opportunity to participate in activities such as paintball, deep sea fishing, trips to other bases and comedy shows with their peers.
The next SMP volunteer opportunity is the Tarawa Terrace Pool Party at the TT Community Pool at 5:30 p.m., Aug. 9. Volunteers are needed to set up and break down the event, games and serve food.
For opportunities, call the SMP base volunteer coordinator at 451-4642.