MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Marines, sailors and civilians attended the annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony in the Fairways Ballroom at Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course, April 25, 2013.
Coinciding with National Volunteer Week 2013, which was designated from April 21 to 27, the ceremony honored base volunteers who collectively contributed more than 120,000 hours of volunteer service last year. The estimated cost to pay hired labor for the amount of work these volunteers put in was nearly $3 million.
“What is the most selfless thing you can do? You say ‘hey, I want to help you out and I don’t want anything for it,’” said Col. Brian Annichiarico, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. “We’re here to celebrate that.”
Annichiarico, the guest speaker for the ceremony, contrasted the fighting power of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with that of the ancient Spartans. Unlike the Spartans, who risked their families’ safety depending on the free labor of enslaved conquered enemies while they were away at battle, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps train while willing volunteers keep the base running smoothly and support their families.
“We’re a combined-arms force and I would argue that we’re the best fighting force in the world because of volunteers,” Annichiarico said.
One by one, representatives from each unit and organization on base went up in front of the audience to accept a certificate, recognizing them for their volunteer work. Additionally, each year a committee chooses a Volunteer Unit of the Year and Volunteer of the Year for exceptional work.
Combat Logistics Battalion 3 was chosen as the 2013 Volunteer Unit of the Year, and granted a certificate of commendation from the commanding officer, a plaque, and $250 for its discretionary unit fund.
According to the certificate, the members of CLB-3 volunteered more than 6,200 hours. The unit volunteered in various events throughout the year, such as the Pro Bowl, and in various organizations such as Make-A-Wish Hawaii, Special Olympics Hawaii and the American Red Cross.
Lt. Col. Justin Reiman, commanding officer, CLB-3, expressed how proud he was of the volunteers in his unit.
“It is a reflection of the character of the Marines and sailors from Combat Logistics Battalion 3,” Reiman said via email. “Our Marines and sailors not only selflessly serve our nation, but they also dedicate some of their precious personal time in service to the local community.”
Chaplain Steve Jensen, a volunteer chaplain with Wounded Warrior Battalion West — Detachment Hawaii, was chosen as the 2013 Volunteer of the Year.
“Your support for the Marines, sailors, and family members of Wounded Warrior Battalion West — Detachment Hawaii is commendable and reflects the strong spirit of volunteerism that makes our nation and our Corps great,” reads his award certificate.
Jensen has been volunteering with the detachment for more than two years. He was recognized for various initiatives, which included coordinating three posttraumatic stress disorder retreats to the Island of Hawaii and with the help of outside organizations, organized more than a dozen special meals and gatherings for the wounded warriors.
“With all of the stellar volunteer work done around the base by so many, I was quite surprised to receive (the award) and very appreciative of Wounded Warrior Battalion West — Detachment Hawaii for nominating me,” Jensen said.
Jensen has also recently joined the Hawaii state team for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association, and he plans to assist them in compiling a database of local services that provide assistance to veterans, recovering service members and their families.
“Our wounded, ill and injured and their families face significant challenges in their transitions back to duty or into medical retirement,” Jensen said. “These Marines and corpsmen should never feel that they have to fight these battles alone. To be a part of the team that supports them in successfully overcoming those challenges and finding enjoyment, hope and fulfillment in their ‘new normal,’ is most rewarding. They honor me by trusting me to be a member of that team.”
There were also two runners-up to the Volunteer of the Year: Lance Cpl. Cody Jones, a volunteer from CLB-3, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan MacFarland, a volunteer from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24.
Each year brings new volunteer opportunities to MCB Hawaii, whether it be mentoring children at a local school, pulling weeds in the base’s backyard, coaching sports or setting up displays, chairs or tents. This year, more than 1,600 people kept the volunteer spirit alive once again.