MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Cpl. Javade Smith and his family received the New Bern Chamber of Commerce Military Alliance Military Family of the Quarter Award during a ceremony in New Bern, N.C., March 12.
The ceremony was held to honor the Smith family for their constant contributions within the local community.
Smith is a personnel clerk at the Installation Personnel Administration Center with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. In addition to his daily duties, Smith participates in local community outreach events along with various charitable and developmental projects within the Havelock and surrounding communities.
“My motivation for volunteering is knowing that at the end of the day I am not letting my life go to waste; I am giving back to my community by helping others in need,” said Smith.
Smith and his wife, Alexis, continuously support the local community at events such as the Special Olympics, the Veterans Organic Garden for wounded warriors, local animal shelters and the American Heroes Home Build of Pamlico County.
“It is important to volunteer because it shows you are willing to make the sacrifice each and every day to help make someone else’s life better,” said Smith, a native of Tampa, Fla.
Smith has received more than 45 letters of appreciation from the Single Marine Program for his efforts. Additionally, Smith has completed 91 Marine Corps Institute Courses and 146 Marinenet courses while continuing to excel at work and take care of his wife and newborn son, Elijah.
“My wife and I are very humbled and excited to be honored as the family of the quarter,” said Smith. “I hope my example will be motivating enough for other Marines who believe they are too busy to give back to the community. I want them to realize it only takes a little time out of their day to make a change for the better.”
Smith is the epitome of the Marine Corps’ “Whole Marine Concept,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Shawn Rubeck, staff noncommissioned officer in charge of IPAC. This is evident by his constant superior initiative, teamwork, positive contributions to the accomplishment of the IPAC’s mission and positive impact on the overall daily operations of the entire IPAC.
“Cpl. Smith’s confidence, proficiency, initiative and superior leadership skills truly set him apart from his peers,” said Rubeck. “He truly leads from the front in all areas, which is evidenced by the fact that he has won the IPAC's meritorious promotion board on three separate occasions and placed second on the H&HS meritorious board on two of those occasions. Smith has also won the IPAC’s "Marine of the Quarter" board on two separate occasions, and in October was named honor graduate at the resident Corporal’s Course.”
The Smith family devotes countless hours to benefiting the Marines and their families at the air station and in the surrounding communities. The Smiths believe it is both an honor and a responsibility to serve others.
“I feel great about giving back in my free time because at the end of the day I can go to sleep knowing I accomplished something,” said Smith.