NEW ORLEANS -- Marines and Sailors with Marine Forces Reserve participated in a Day of Service as part of the Single Marine Program on April 22, 2016.
April is National Volunteer Month. For the second consecutive year on Earth Day, April 22, 2016, hordes of Marines across the Corps take action to make the quality of life in their communities better by volunteering through the Single Marine Program.
In 2015, Marine administrative message 146/15 introduced the Marine Corps-wide Single Marine Program Day of Service to be held annually, April, 22. All commands are required to support this event, with the emphasis on single marines being allowed the opportunity volunteer in their local communities.
At Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Marines offered their day in service to “Operation Clean,” in the neighboring Algiers community, volunteering to rid the area of litter and garbage.
“Our day of service is a great opportunity for the Marines and sailors of SMP here at MARFORRES to give back to the community we are active in,” said Sgt. Jordan L. Bradford, recruiting and retention noncommissioned officer in charge of MARFORRES manpower G-1 and Single Marine Program vice president.
Single Marine Program contributes tens of thousands of community service hours each year. They participate in Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, Adopt a School, beach cleanups, trips to Veterans Homes and many others. Many other local organizations and causes benefit from the time and service contributed by Marines who want to make a difference in their community.
“We wanted to show our appreciation on a larger scale in comparison to the small community outreach we do on a regular basis,” said Bradford. “Often our efforts go unnoticed by the masses, we want to bring awareness to everyone in the community we are here to assist.”