MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Every four months, the city of New Bern presents an award to the men and women of the military and their families for outstanding service and dedication to improving their communities.
Bringing in the new year, the New Bern Chamber of Commerce awarded Master Sgt. Timothy J. Thorn, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training’s ordnance division staff noncommissioned officer in charge, and his family, the New Bern Service Family of the Quarter award.
Thorn volunteered countless hours as the Havelock Young Marine’s commanding officer.
“I volunteer in the community because I think it is the right thing to do,” said Thorn. “There are kids out there who need a positive influence in their life.”
Thorn said that upon graduation of the Young Marines program, the kids have a better sense of well being.
The Young Marines program serves the community by teaching the youth valuable life skills, such as living drug-free, learning self discipline, as well as the importance of community service.
Thorn also supported the Relay for Life cancer survivors’ dinner and ran in the relay.
“It is very humbling to receive this award,” said Thorn. “My wife and I do not volunteer to be recognized, but it’s a great honor.”
Thorn’s wife, Rebecca, donated much of her free time to the community and her husband’s command, in addition to being a full-time student, mother and holding a part-time job.
“We were shocked,” said Rebecca. “We are honored but we never thought that we’d be recognized for doing something that we love and enjoy doing.”
Rebecca is a family readiness assistant, and dedicates countless hours to ensure the well-being of all the members assigned to CNATT and their families.
“Tim and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff,” said Rebecca. “We may have been selected, but our oung Marine unit would not be where it is today without the help from our staff. Their loyalty and dedication to the kids not only has helped our unit grow, but they have made a huge impact on the kids in such a positive way.”
“That is why we all volunteer, not for the recognition but for the kids,” said Rebecca.
“Thank you Staff Sgt. Preston Lamb, Sgt. Christina Hughes, Sgt Matthew Archbold, Sgt Joshua Milhorn, Sgt. Michael Malio and Cpl. Darien Garland.”
Rebecca also serves as the Havelock Young Marines adjutant and spends countless hours scheduling and coordinating all of the events, as well as all administrative duties.
“Thorn and his wife go above and beyond the call of duty,” said Lt. Col. Joe F. Wade, CNATT’s commanding officer.
“Thorn has this sense of duty not only to defending his country but to the community at large.”