CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. --
“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience and just plain love for one another,” said Erma Bombeck, a Bellbrook, Ohio, native and bestselling author.
Not only can volunteers have an impact on the world, they can also make a difference here with Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group.
CLR-27’s volunteers juggle daily challenges such as family needs and careers but still make time to support the regiment’s leadership at unit functions.
“All of the volunteers are spouses of Marines in the regiment,” said Jose L. Padilla, a Guanica, Puerto Rico, native and the family readiness officer for the unit. “It shows they are trying to do something positive with the time they have available. A lot of spouses are busy taking care of their kids (and) doing school, and it says a lot about someone who wants to volunteer.”
One such event was the “CLR-27 Meet and Greet” at Marston Pavilion here, Feb. 27. The volunteers set up signs, chairs, tables and organized food displays as Col. Gary F. Keim, the commanding officer of the regiment, prepared to meet the families of CLR-27.
“It is a very rewarding experience anytime you see the product of hard work go well, regardless if it’s a small event or large event,” said Riley A. Flynn, a Tazewell, Va., native and volunteer with the unit. “We are all working hard to put up great events. We want everything to be perfect for the families.”
The volunteers helped organize events such as Halloween parties, Christmas gatherings, family days and spouse appreciation nights for servicemembers and their loved ones.
For the 2012 Halloween party, the volunteers turned an office building into a haunted mansion for kids to have a unique Halloween experience.
If there’s any event with the regiment that takes place and involves the servicemembers and their families, the volunteers are there to ensure the occasion is successful.
“Going to different events and seeing how the volunteers were always helping out always made me want to do that,” said Nakyshia R. Leger, a volunteer for the unit, and whose husband is a sergeant with Landing Support Company, CLR-27. “I want to be there to help out and make a difference in someone’s life like they did with mine.”
Becoming a volunteer is just as simple as contacting the family readiness officer and saying, “I want to be a volunteer.”
“We are working hard together, but we have a good time and we support each other,” said Flynn. “It is so exciting to meet with the (volunteers) to build those relationships and make those connections. I’ve for sure made friendships for a lifetime.”