HONOLULU -- Members of the base’s Single Marine & Sailor Program spent April 18, 2015 cheering and supporting the athletes of Special Olympics Hawaii at Kamehameha Schools’ pool and track. The service members helped escort athletes to their events and were responsible for timing them as they competed.
“The SM&SP is great because it provides (service members with) the opportunity to not only get involved and participate with their military community but also the local community,” said Cpl. Rebecca Ernhart, an Indonesian linguist with 3rd Radio Battalion, and SM&SP unit representative. “The program is a (good) way to get out (of the barracks), meet new people and get involved.”
The program’s goal is to enhance the quality of life for single or unaccompanied service members E-5 and below through community involvement and recreation. Those who utilize the program have opportunities to travel to neighboring islands, and do volunteer work such as dog walking, serving food at shelters and cleaning beaches.
“I (have been) in the Marine Corps for four years and never heard of the SM&SP until I came to Marine Corps Base Hawaii,” said SM&SP President Sgt. Ruben Diaz, a truck master with Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. “I became the representative for my unit and have loved every event (offered).”
Diaz and Ernhart said they both find self-satisfaction knowing they’re spending their time helping less fortunate people, giving back to their community and having fun at the same time.
“What I loved most about volunteering with the Special Olympics was interacting with the athletes,” said Ernhart, a Buffalo, Minn., native. “It’s an overall rewarding experience knowing you’ve made a difference, no matter how small. You get to help others through the simplest of actions — (giving) your time.”
Diaz suggests the eligible Marines and Sailors give SM&SP a try and take advantage of all it has to offer. The program helps service members make the best out of their time in Hawaii, he said.
“As a military member, I think it’s important to show your community that you’re invested in it and the people who live in it,” Ernhart said. “It gives you a sense of understanding of other people’s ways of life.”
SM&SP has many upcoming events such as volunteering at Hospice Hawaii, dog walking at the Hawaiian Humane Society and a trip to Kauai. For more information on the program, visit mccshawaii.com/smsp/, call Karley Peterson at 254-7593, or visit the program’s office located at building 1629, inside the Kahuna’s Recreational Center.