MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- It takes compassion, a positive outlook and an understanding of selflessness to stand by the side of a United States Marine. Those at Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3 are not lacking in devoted men and women who are up to the task.
One such dedicated spouse takes every opportunity to get engaged with her husband’s unit.
When Summer Foster, a Family Readiness Program volunteer arrived with her husband, Lance Cpl. Lamont Foster, an operations clerk with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3 and a Detroit native, in February, she jumped at the opportunity to lend a hand.
“I was new to the area and didn’t know many people, and I didn’t have family out here,” said Foster. “I wanted to get involved so I could get to know people, make friends and share experiences with people.”
Foster goes out of her way to find things to do in support of the squadron’s Family Readiness Program. Whether it’s compiling gift bags for Marines living in the barracks or arranging beach parties, barbecues and other get-togethers, she said she gains both personally and professionally from her volunteer work.
“I just like working with people,” she said. “I’ve always been a camp counselor or with the church nursery so I’m really 'good with kids and I just love being helpful.”
By committing herself to the program, Foster brings diversity to the volunteer corps.
“She is a valued volunteer with us she has a different perspective,” Don Wallace, MWHS-3 Family Readiness Officer. “She has the perspective of a junior Marine’s spouse and we only have two of those out of our 14 volunteers.”
Foster’s work clearly does not go unnoticed.
“I’m very happy with my wife’s involvement with the squadron because there are a lot of things that go on that I’m unaware of, but since she’s so involved, she gets the inside scoop and I get the scoop from the Marine Corps side, so it’s a good balance between us,” said Lance Cpl. Lamont Foster. “It’s good and it shows me that she’s supporting and loving and it’s just helpful.”
The driving force behind Foster’s dedication to the squadron’s Family Readiness Program is not only her love for her husband, but her understanding of her supporting role.
“I’m committed to my husband, and whatever he’s in, I support,” said Foster. “If he wants to get active and be a part of something, I want to be a part of it also.”
This story is part of an ongoing series highlighting the committed and engaged spouses of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.