Photo By Sgt. Andrew King | Cpl. Collin Koonce receives the Service Person of the Quarter award from Sgt....... read more read more
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ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C.- The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee honored Cpl. Collin Koonce as the Marine Corps representative for the Service Person of the Quarter during an honorary luncheon at Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, May 18.
The award is given to three service members of different branches; the Marine Corps, Army Reserves, and Coast Guard; who have constantly dedicated themselves to go above and beyond their normal work duties to positively impact the local community.
Koonce has accumulated over 60 hours of volunteer time with numerous local organizations and events.
“I’ve volunteered in animal shelters, for runs and all kinds of stuff,” said Koonce, an administration specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. “I’ve [volunteered at] events, I’ve ran security for [birthday balls]… really anywhere they needed me I was always there. I always stepped up when they needed somebody.”
Upon learning he had been selected for the award, Koonce expressed his gratitude because all of his hard work meant something to the people of the local community.
Koonce said this award means a great deal to him. He explained that all of the hard work his wife, Claudia, and him have done in the local community is making and impact and not going unnoticed.
Koonce’s chain of command nominated him for the award and believed he would be selected.
“I believe he deserves the award because he strives to not only be there as a noncommissioned officer for his Marines and look out for their welfare, but he always gives 110 percent every day,” said Sgt. Margarita Valenzuela, a personnel clerk assigned to H&HS, MCAS Cherry Point. “He’s highly motivated and brings a lot of enthusiasm to everything that he does, whether it’s on or off duty.”
Koonce has been an avid promoter of volunteering within the Installation Personnel Administrative Center section, urging other Marines to get involved in the local community if they haven’t already.
“Marines need to go out and volunteer,” said Koonce. “It’s good to give back. It’s a good feeling and the community appreciates it. If you are not going out and making yourself and the community better, then you definitely need to experience that because it’s just so good to be able to benefit and go help out.”
“If somebody doesn’t want to volunteer, it’s because they haven’t volunteered yet,” said Koonce. “That’s just how it is, because after you start volunteering, it’s kind of contagious.”
According to Koonce, the feeling of helping the local community will stay with you the rest of your life.
“Being able to work with the community and them show appreciation; and for them to work with us in return, it’s just a good feeling and something you will never forget,” said Koonce. “It’s something you’re always going to fall back on.”
| Date Taken: | 05.18.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.25.2018 16:40 |
| Story ID: | 277938 |
| Location: | ATLANTIC BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 128 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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