Photo By Lance Cpl. Danielle Krenzel | Jennifer Merlo, the Single Marine Program (SMP) coordinator for Marine Corps Air...... read more read more
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The Single Marine Program coordinator received a Certificate of Commendation from U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Matthew G. Glavy, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 30, 2018. Jennifer Merlo, the SMP coordinator since 2011, has helped MCAS Cherry Point to be rated the top installation for the SMP since 2013 and also manages the base recreation center and The Road House restaurant.
The SMP provides single Marines and Sailors with volunteer opportunities, fun activities and vacations. SMP also helps maintain recreational sports and living conditions to ensure a healthy environment both mentally and physically.
“It’s been such a blessing,” said Merlo. “We talk about giving back to the Marines and developing that leadership, but really it’s given so much to me and helped develop who I am.”
Merlo’s program received a noteworthy grade during the 2017 Marine Corps Installations-East Commanding General’s Inspection, along with having the highest number of participating volunteers (1,712) and most volunteer hours (4,796) recorded. The program was awarded $1,400 because of Merlo’s efforts.
Marines and sailors volunteer at the local animal shelter, Veterans Organic Garden, Special Olympics, local schools and Habitat for Humanity, said Merlo. The Marines and sailors also built a house from the ground up for a wounded Marine Corps veteran and his family.
Her program conducts trips across the United States to provide more recreation and volunteer opportunities.
Merlo trains all SMP representatives on Cherry Point and conducts monthly meetings with the SMP representatives, sergeants major and family readiness officers of each unit. She helps discuss and address quality of life issues on base, including in the barracks, and reports them to the MCAS Cherry Point sergeant major and Marine Corps Community Services leadership.
“I’m so appreciative of the opportunity, especially with the SMP,” said Merlo. “I love what I do. I’m very blessed to be excited to come to work every day and get to work with the Marines and sailors.”
“She helps the Marines learn more about themselves and not just their job in the Marine Corps, but their passions,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Paul McElearney, the sergeant major of MCAS Cherry Point. “Maybe there are things they don’t even realize they are interested in and then they find out by participating in this program.”
“Our mission is giving Marines and sailors back to society as better citizens,” said McElearney. “That is a huge part of what the SMP does.”
| Date Taken: | 01.31.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 02.06.2018 16:50 |
| Story ID: | 264779 |
| Location: | CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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