20151014 --
There are many volunteers and caring individuals aboard
Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., who bring smiles to the faces of many people.
RP2 Jacob Birtola, Religious Practitioner, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., is
one of those individuals.
Aside from his day to day primary duties of administrative
support, attending meetings for the Chaplain, and walking around the post to
make sure the Marines are mentally and physically sound, Birtola spends his
time organizing volunteer events within our local community.
Some of the most common tasks that Marines volunteer for are
serving breakfast, washing dishes and helping organize the warehouse at the So
Others Might Eat organization. According to the SOME website, “SOME is an interfaith,
community-based organization that exists to help the poor and homeless of our
nation’s capital.”
“We usually hit our limit on the number of volunteers we
request,” said Birtola. “We always get a
good number of helping hands from the Marines, regardless of the event.”
While these events happen two to three times per month,
Marines at the “Corps Oldest Post” always find the time in their busy
schedules to volunteer.
”I love being out in the community and seeing the people I
help,” said Cpl. Jessica Rafferty, gift shop clerk, Headquarters and Service Company.
Even if you don’t have time to participate in volunteer events, there are many
ways to help out in your community, such as giving donations.
The Chaplain’s office has a donation box for clothes that are
donated to the SOME organization monthly.
Marines and many other volunteers from the local area
participated in a community relations event, Oct. 11, 2015, led by Natasha
Harth. The event started at the Barracks and the volunteers worked their way up
to the corner of 6th and C Streets SE, while handing out “Blessing Bags” of food to
the homeless and needy throughout our local community.
Volunteering is a great opportunity to help those in need
and positively impact our community. If you are interested in volunteering or
would like more information about the many opportunities for Marines and sailors,
contact Birtola at 433-6201.