SAN DIEGO - Marines and sailors aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego volunteered with the San Diego community, this time with the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center, Veterans Memorial Garden, Balboa Park, San Diego, Jan. 12.
Lt. Stephen B. Brown, chaplain, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, put together a group of four to assist the museum with various jobs to help with their continued operation.
“I like the fact that it’s an organization that’s reaching out to active duty and veterans,” said Brown. “We’re able to give back to those who directly help us and those who have gone before us.”
Second Recruit Training Battalions does various community relation projects throughout the year, giving them the opportunity to grow
with the San Diego community.
“It’s important for them to know the Marines are involved and care about the community,” said Brown.
The former San Diego Naval Hospital Chapel was transformed into a museum in 1989 and currently runs on a mostly volunteer staff. With three part-time and one full-time employees, the museum is
always grateful for volunteers.
“It feels fantastic to know [the Marines] are willing to help, just having their support is the best feeling,” said Pascale Schreiner,
director of events, Veterans Museum and Memorial Center.
“It’s great to know the military is willing [help].”
Two drill instructors with Company F were among the group of volunteers who donated their free time between training
recruits to help the museum with painting and cleaning.
“I’m always volunteering with the community, instead
of just sitting at home,” said Ryan-Michael Daffin, senior drill instructor, Company F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.
“It makes a good name for the Marine Corps, us being out
there.”
The museum regularly changes it exhibits to ensure visitors get a chance to see a variety of events in history as well as hosting an average of two military ceremonies a week, such as retirements.
“This is a fantastic venue to show families and kids the achievements and contributions of veterans,” said Schreiner.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. and is free for service members and their families
and $5 for civilians. For more information on the museum
and the services offered or volunteering and donating, visit www.VeteransMuseum.org.