MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Taking Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., by storm, the Committed and Engaged Leadership Initiative continues to inspire not only Marines and Sailors, but their families, too.
Exemplary spouses, such as Ashley Pate, help more than just Marines through volunteer work and help many people with everything from Marine Corps Balls to deployments.
“I really enjoy getting together with other spouses and meeting new ones,” said Pate. “I believe in leading a healthy active lifestyle, so I love going to events and sessions that can include the things I love doing!”
Marines often work long days, going on training exercises and deployments. During times such as this, it is especially important for families to stay informed and stick together for support while their Marine is out of pocket. Pate uses her favorite things to help keep the morale of the spouses and families high.
“I think it’s really important to keep morale up,” said Pate. “It encourages me to keep up with what I'm doing, and encourage other spouses about how important it is to be involved and to be committed and engaged with the Marine Corps.”
Maj. Gen. Steven Busby, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, began this initiative to recognize and encourage Marine noncommissioned officers, but he considers the families to be an integral part of the team.
“I am very honored to be recognized,” said Pate. “It was almost a year ago that I took my first [Lifestyles, Insight, Networking, Knowledge and Skills] class and could barely talk to any of them because of how shy I was. Now, I volunteer with L.I.N.K.S., and I am the command team advisor for our unit. I have grown so much and have found myself to love the Marine Corps! I want everyone to know that it is ok to take that first step to be more involved!”
This story is part of a series highlighting the committed and engaged spouses of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.