3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment adopted Swansboro High School and Swansboro Middle School during an adoption ceremony at the high school football field in Swansboro, N.C., Aug. 31, 2018.
Lt. Col. Neil R. Berry, the battalion’s Commanding Officer, signed alongside each schools’ principal on the Memorandum of Understanding. The adoption is planned to last indefinitely.
“We’re here to support their schools, we’ve already signed up for a multitude of activities supporting them from all age groups,” said Berry. “The Marines are really excited to provide not only mentorship, but to support smaller activities, athletic events and proctor exams.”
The battalion plans to be involved with a range of activities to allow for widespread integration in order to generate the largest effect.
“We probably have close to 40% military families in this community,” said Donna Grady, school liaison officer for Camp Lejeune, New River. “So the students already know about the Marine Corps, but they will see the positive influence that our Marine Corps and our Marines can have in a small community like Swansboro.”
“The commitment to the schools from the battalion will provide growth and enrichment opportunities for the families by being exposed to those who’ve made a commitment to uphold our nation’s values and our core values of honor, courage and commitment,” said Berry.
This will also be enriching for those Marines who participate in the activities by allowing them to see and participate in the lives of those who they’ve sworn an oath to protect. The students can also support the Marines while they’re away from their homes and families by sending birthday cards, holiday cards or care packages during deployment to show that they are in their thoughts.
The battalion can effectively support two schools due to its large size, making this adoption unique.
“It’s a win-win for everybody because it’s hard for schools to get volunteers,” said Grady. “I think Marines can do more unique things for the school. The impact of a whole group is going to have more impact.”