CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Sergeant Christopher Haley and his family were honored as the Family of the Quarter during a ceremonial luncheon held by the Havelock Military Affairs Committee at the New Bern Golf and Country Club June 12, 2014.
Haley and his wife, Petty Officer 3rd Class Autumn Ruiz, a master at arms with the Navy Reserves, dedicated more than 300 volunteer hours to Marines, Sailors and families within New Bern and surrounding cities.
In an effort to strengthen the station and community ties, Haley has served as volunteer coach to the Creekside Elementary School’s “Girls on the Run” at the YMCA and as a mentor to nearly 20 students at Havelock Elementary School. His time at the local schools has also been spent reading during Dr. Seuss book-reading events and serving as an assistant in special needs classrooms.
Ruiz shares her husband’s passion for assisting others in need, and distinguishing herself as a Key Volunteer at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, always willing to help with command functions, according to Lt. Col. Jaime L. Gutierrez, commanding officer of CNATT.
Ruiz also volunteers at the Coastal Women’s Shelter in New Bern assisting those affected by domestic violence. She also volunteers at the New Bern Food Bank and various local soup kitchens.
While deployed, she volunteered her time to the United Arab Emirates through the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program, providing tours and hosting events for personnel.
Haley and Ruiz have managed to balance their active duty military service, off-duty college education and family life while remaining active in New Bern and throughout Craven County, according to Gutierrez.
“Sgt. Haley is so dedicated to everything he does,” said Gutierrez. “His volunteer work within the schools takes a lot of patience and a lot of caring and kindness.”
Haley is currently serving as an avionics instructor, a naval instructor training course instructor, unit ground safety manager, color sergeant and assistant master training specialist coordinator.
The couple shares a love for volunteering. They said that keeping the relationship between the military and the surrounding community is always a priority for them.
“I have always volunteered, everywhere I’ve been,” said Haley. “We have been extremely fortunate with the command I am in now to be offered so many opportunities to volunteer. My wife and I never turn down the chance to give back.”
Haley said he was surprised and overwhelmed when he found out his family was selected. The couple said it was nothing they ever expected, but appreciate the fact that the community appreciates everything they and many other service members do.
“Why not volunteer?” asked Haley. “If someone else needs help and I can give it to them, it makes me feel great. I really enjoy giving back to the community. If I can make one person’s day better or make one person smile, it makes it all worth it.”