Still Serving: An Observation of Military Community Service (Opinion)

Giving back to the community through benevolent actions is essential to a thriving society and is one of the hallmarks of civic responsibility. Through various forms of volunteering, our nation's Military organizations consistently epitomize acts of service.?

And in that respect, The first ninety days of the year have provided countless possibilities for U.S. Service Members and civilian community members to enact benevolent actions. For example. Earth Day, Ceaser Chavez Day of Service, and MLK Week of Service, to name a few, serve as platforms to increase civic engagement, give back and build relationships in the community.?

Acts of service?

In earnest, for the last 18 months, I collaborated with several local military organizations, obtaining firsthand experiences of their benevolent contributions to the community. The following organizations are the quintessence of giving back to the community: Marine Corps Recruit Depot - San Diego Single Marine Program(MCRDSD SMP), MCAS Miramar Single Marine Program (MCAS SMP), MCRD Command Museum, San Diego Young Marines, Montford Point Marines, Women Marines Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion, respectfully.?

For example, The Single Marine Program's balanced teamwork dynamic and spirit de corps have resulted in their ability to enhance camaraderie among fellow servicemembers and give back to the community. The program director at MCRD San Diego,?Johanna Jones moxie contributes to her incredibly dialed-in approach to enabling?Marines and Sailors of MCRD to promote overall quality of life, ensuring their voice lends itself as a cause of benevolence by fostering community partnerships with local community members.?

In the recent past, I had the distinct privilege of serving in the role of military organizational management as a Marine Corpe League Detachment Commandant. Through a benevolent lens, I helped oversee the operations geared toward local community partnerships and military organizations.?

Essentially, the support of the VFW Post, MCRD SMP, and several Veterans-Owned businesses combined efforts to rebrand a popular meal-related fundraiser, built meaningful connections with long-time patrons of local military organizations, and generated the interest of eager supporters and donors.?

At the end of my tenure as the Detachment's Commandant, and to this day,?the help inspired me to continue seeking opportunities of giving back through benevolent actions.?

Where the past and future meet?

Led by Gregg Stoner, USMC Veteran, and Lead Docent at MCRD Command Musem, the Museum, a volunteer Docents team promotes teamwork, patriotism, and Creedence to the Corps' illustrious history of national defense. I've had the honor of serving as a museum docent and continue to be inspired by the outstanding efforts of my fellow Marines and the lasting positive impact we make on the Marines and their families who visit the museum.?

Last summer, U.S. Navy veteran Stanley Williams, co-founder of San Diego's own; Fit, Black, and Educated, gave back to the community by spearheading a memorial campaign to honor Black/ African American U.S. Service Members, honoring those who paved the way for Black / African American U.S. service members of today. The benevolent actions from Stanley's team in support of the celebratory movement, which lasted about half of a year, ranged from documentary viewings to skate parties and other social activities, solely based on remembering the historically honorable service of the following:

• The heralded Tuskee Airmen
• the history-making Black Women?U.S. soldiers of The 6888th Central Postal Battalion Women's Army Corp, and other Black/ African American U.S. Service Members, to name a few.

The campaign's success from start to finish was symbolic of giving back to the community.

Furthermore, Stanley's galvanizing vision was instrumental in honoring our nation's armed services' historical past and advancing toward the future of celebrating the incredible devotion to duty of Black/African American Service Members.?

Adapt, overcome, improvise.

Conversely, there are instances where limiting factors potentially harm camaraderie, such as inclusion issues. In a timely article, Military Times illustrates how a local VFW pivoted away from negative social issues that have impacted the military organization's membership and local civilian partnerships.

The adverse effects of generational gaps and other social problems plaguing the U.S. almost permanently closed the post's doors. Yet, they seized the challenge to carry out benevolent acts locally and, in doing so, brought life back to the organization. On the face of it, The past met the future, and they are hiring due to unparalleled teamwork, a relentless sense of community service, and devotion to duty.

As mentioned, my experience collaborating with local military organizations and civilian community partners has been heartfelt and galvanizing; I'm grateful for the lasting relationships I fostered with military and local community partners. They all share the common attribute; unwavering devotion to duty through benevolent actions to serve the community. Community service is essential to a healthy society and is the hallmark of civic responsibility.

Special thanks to the following organizations and individuals for their inspiring devotion to the nation and local communities:

Veterans Green Projects Initiative

Melissa Hawkins PT, DPT, ATC

Matthew Montell

Mark Jeffers

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery

Frutilandia (CityHeights - MidCity San Diego)

Amadeo Rodriguez

Lavar Watkins

Nasara Gargonnu

Marc R. Chabot

Sugar Bear Foundation

Nelson Coburn

Team - Speak Their Names Memorial Hump

Julia Carlson

Kendrick Dial, MSW

Eddie Madriz

Jason Parks

Aaron Griffus

Dr. Miles T. Leader

Honoring Our Fallen

Kalani Creutzburg, MST, CPA

Mario P. Fields

Michael is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Past Commandant, Marine Corps League Detachment 835, and volunteers with the MCRD Command Museum, local Jr ROTC, and Young Marines Detachments.