Photo Information

Volunteers listen as a Marine Corps Community Services representative reads the citations of the various volunteer organizations during the 2014 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., April 24. More than 900 service members and families received commendation for their volunteer efforts throughout MCAS Miramar and surrounding communities.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Owen Kimbrel

MCCS hosts annual volunteer appreciation celebration

25 Apr 2014 | Lance Cpl. Owen Kimbrel 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Marine Corps Community Services hosted a special ceremony to recognize volunteers aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., April 24.

Marines, Sailors and spouses from multiple units aboard the air station and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing attended the 2014 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration as honored guests, receiving commendation for their volunteer efforts. Some of the many organizations present at the event included The Single Marine Program and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band performed a concert during the celebration, which was held as a special thank you for the volunteers.

They understand that they have a requirement to ‘pay it forward’ in someone else’s life,” said Maj. Gen. Steven Busby, 3rd MAW commanding general.

More than 900 service members and families volunteered on behalf of MCAS Miramar and 3rd MAW at various events and venues during the past year. The 3rd MAW and MCAS Miramar leadership recognized the volunteers’ work at the food locker, youth sports leagues and schools.

“They are role models for our society; they provide essential services and support for us,” said Col. John Farnam, MCAS Miramar commanding officer. “When they go out in town and volunteer at schools and local communities, they are showing them firsthand that they’re doing it for them.”

The celebration is held every year to ensure volunteers know their efforts do not go unnoticed by the community. The 3rd MAW commanding general and the MCAS Miramar commanding officer accepted a generous donation of $350,000.00 on behalf of the volunteers.