Photo By Sgt. Erin Vandehoef | Various President’s Volunteer Service Awards are displayed during the 25th Annual...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Giving back to the communities we live in has always been a priority for service members at MCB Camp Pendleton. Every year, Marines and Sailors who go above and beyond are recognized for their commitment to their local and military communities, although the recognition is never the inspiration for their selfless service. This year, 45 Marines, Sailors, and civilians at MCB Camp Pendleton were presented with volunteer recognition awards at the 25th annua MCB Camp Pendleton Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.
Being an active-duty Marine is a job that comes with a lot of extras, extra responsibilities, extra stress, but also extra opportunities. While Marines are expected to fulfill the traditional duties in their military operational specialties, many choose to go the extra mile and take on additional responsibilities as well. Many service members engage in community service and pursue the variety of volunteer opportunities MCB Camp Pendleton hosts on and off the installation.
One of those Marines is Sgt. Julia E. Sarullo, a financial management resource analyst with the School of Infantry West, Training Command. She has spent the last five years volunteering with the Marine Corps Community Services Youth Sports Program, coaching cheerleading and soccer at MCB Camp Pendleton. Sarullo also spent much of last year working at an animal shelter, helping cats and other small animals find their forever homes. Sarullo enlisted to serve others, and that mentality carries through in and out of uniform.
"I volunteer because I like helping other people; I genuinely like doing whatever I can for them,” Sarullo said. “Helping people has been a big part of my life, and watching those athletes grow and learn is the reward."
There are many people passionate about volunteering at MCB Camp Pendleton, like Miguel Juarez, the installation volunteer coordinator. His mission is to gather information for Marines and Sailors to ensure they are informed about community and volunteer events held on base and in the surrounding areas.
The most critical step is getting the information to Marines and Sailors. Once service members know about what kind of opportunities are available to them, they are better informed to decide how and when they can give back to their communities. For instance, Sarullo learned about youth sports coaching opportunities through a flyer posted on base.
Juarez sees how many service members are working hard in their free time to give back to those around them. This aspect is what makes this awards ceremony so special, so many volunteers are recognized for all the hard work they do throughout the year.
"Knowing that I can provide Marines with opportunities that can get them out of their barracks rooms and comfort zones and encourage them to try new things is why I continue to do what I do," said Juarez. "I know it lifts their morale and can sometimes be the reason they keep pushing along in their lives."
The 25th annual MCB Camp Pendleton Volunteer Recognition Ceremony is immensely beneficial to Marines and Sailors who want to volunteer but need some guidance or direction on how they can serve their communities as it highlights the installation volunteer program. The volunteer program at MCB Camp Pendleton is reliant on all units across the base to provide information about events and encourage their marines to take these opportunities to better themselves and the communities around them. Without that support, the volunteer program would cease to exist.
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to present the awards to these outstanding individuals who are selfless and make extraordinary efforts to improve all of our lives through their volunteerism,” said Col. Charles E. Dudik, the chief of staff of Marine Corps Installations West, MCB Camp Pendleton as he presented the awards during the ceremony.
Recognizing our volunteers is crucial for fostering a culture of appreciation and gratitude within the Marine Corps. By acknowledging the selfless contributions of volunteers, we not only honor their dedication but also inspire others to join in making a positive difference in their communities. Ultimately, the recognition of volunteers initiates the building of stronger, more compassionate environments where individuals are empowered to uplift and support one another.
| Date Taken: | 04.23.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 05.01.2024 10:43 |
| Story ID: | 469929 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 430 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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