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2nd MAW CG thanks Beaufort volunteers

22 Apr 2005 | Cpl. Micah Snead Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Tri-Command leaders, Marines, Sailors and spouses gathered at the Officers’ Club aboard the Air Station for a “Thank You” luncheon, April 22.

The event was held to show appreciation for the time and effort that goes on behind the scenes of Marine Corps Family Team Building and the Family Readiness Program. Major Gen. Thomas L. Moore, commanding general, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, was the keynote speaker at the luncheon.

“This was to shine the spotlight on all of the MCFTB team,” said Sgt. Chris J. Lindley, MCFTB assistant. “We simply wanted to tell the volunteers ‘thanks’ and we appreciate all the work they do. I think having the CG down here made it even more special.”

The five MCFTB programs, Key Volunteer Network (KVN), Lifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills (LINKS), Spouses’ Learning Series (SLS), Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) and the Chaplains Religious Enrichment and Development Operation (CREDO) provide educational resources and services with the goals of fostering personal growth and enhancing the readiness of Marine Corps families. 

The KVN and LINKS programs are supported almost entirely by Marine Corps spouse volunteer effort. Those volunteers are the heartbeat and greatest strength of those programs, according to Moore.

“While Marines are at the front of the Global War on Terrorism, volunteers are a crucial part of our overall mission,” Moore said. “This is a demanding time for our Corps, and it is just as demanding on our families. These volunteers help ease the burden of hard times.”

While Marines and Sailors arm themselves for warfare, the volunteer programs are helping families build their own arsenals of information and tools.

“The Key Volunteer Network arms our Marine Corps families with vital knowledge and essential leadership skills to prevent situations from developing into serious problems,” said Stacy Brown, MCFTB coordinator, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

One step in preparing for deployments is making sure your family will be taken care of in your absence, according to Moore.

“Our Marines and Sailors are going forward confident that there are people back here looking out for and caring about their families,” Moore said. “We would not be able to have these programs without our volunteers and I deeply appreciate the work they do.”

Getting involved with the programs is a way to meet people that share the same lifestyle, learn about all the resources and services available to Marine Corps and Navy families and help others along the way, according to Brown.

“My experience with the KV Network has been wonderful,” said Dena Wouters, KV coordinator, Marine Wing Support Squadron 273. “I have found that being involved with something like this has benefits. First of all, the friends you make. I have lasting friendships with many wives, and not just KVs either. Second, you have this great feeling that you are able to help someone in need or just show how much you do actually care about Marines and their families.”

The actions of the volunteers impact not only the individual Marines and Sailors, but the mission of the entire Corps, Moore said.

“(They) are a national asset,” Moore said. “We would not be successful or even able to maintain this operational pace without them. Their contribution to the protection of freedom is immeasurable.”

The chance to take some time out and say “thanks” to such a deserving group was priceless, according to Moore.

“I asked to be a part of this, because I really want every volunteer to know how much I appreciate their time and effort,” Moore said. “As a commander, I could not ask for more help than what these volunteers give and it is my honor to be serving with them.”

For more information about the MCFTB programs, visit their office aboard the Air Station in Room 4 of the Installation Personnel Administration Center or call 228-6141.