Photo Information

Maj. Gen. Terry G. Robling, the commanding general for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing was the guest speaker for the volunteer luncheon at the Officer's Club here. He commended all the volunteers aboard the air staion on their selfless, hard work.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Manuel F. Guerrero

Miramar recognizes volunteers’ hard work

22 Apr 2009 | Lance Cpl. Manuel F. Guerrero 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

In 1974, President Richard M. Nixon signed an executive order Endorsing National Volunteer Week.

Thirty-five years later the country still takes time to celebrate their selfless efforts.

In recognition of the various volunteers aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the air station hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the Officer’s Club here April 22, sponsored by Marine Corps Community Services.

During the luncheon, MCCS commended volunteers who work with the Family Readiness Officers' Unit Family Readiness program, Lifestyle Insight Networking Knowledge Skills program as part of the Marine Corps Family Team Building program, Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum and Navy Wives Club food locker.

“All of these volunteers have a heart for giving and are very generous people,” said DeLuz. “A lot of the times, these volunteers go without recognition. This is a nice way to say: we see what they are doing and that we appreciate them.”

The Family Readiness Office volunteers play a vital role in assisting families of Marines during deployment.

“The volunteers support the families by providing information that will help them,” said DeLuz.           “We make sure more than 100 volunteers under the family readiness officer have the tools to assist the deployed Marines families by giving them different roles.”

The L.I.N.K.S. program volunteers assist Marines and their spouses adjust to the military life during a one-day or three-day course.

Marine’s spouses who attend L.I.N.K.S. session are invited to become volunteers for the program, commented Nicki Mcintyre, the L.I.N.K.S administrative assistant.

Spouses can also join if they are interested but have not attended, added Mcintyre.

The mission of the food locker volunteers is to assist Marines by giving them free groceries, commented Rita Riddick, cochairman of the NWCFL. Those interested should visit the Navy Wives Club Food Locker aboard the air station to register.

The museum volunteers show visitors the history of Marine aviation. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To register or volunteer, visit the Museum’s Web site at www.flyingleathernecks.org/volunteer.php.

According to ALMAR 008/09, Marine Corps volunteers are the elite few who put community first and are the strongest and most dedicated across the services.

Volunteers create a ripple effect that helps strengthen the Corps as a whole, commented DeLuz.

“The immediate impact helps the spouses, which eventually helps the Marine focus on the mission,” said DeLuz.

Volunteers go above and beyond the call of duty, and MCAS Miramar volunteers continue to be a vital part of accomplishing the Marine Corps mission. That is why it was important to recognize their sacrifice, explained DeLuz.

For more volunteer opportunities aboard the air station, Miramar families should visit the MCCS Web site at www.mccsvolunteering.org to register.