ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C. --
The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce honored Cpl. Karen
Hernandez as the Service Person of the Quarter during a luncheon at McCurdy’s
Restaurant and Deck on Moonlight Bay in Atlantic Beach, N.C., Nov. 14.
Hernandez is an air support operations operator with Marine
Air Support Squadron 1 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. As an air
support operator, Hernandez works anywhere between 50 to 70 hours a week
ensuring effective air support operations for her squadron and still allots
time to volunteer in the Havelock and Newport communities.
The Houston native
has served as a role model to the Marines in her charge and member of the
surrounding community since arriving to Cherry Point in 2011.
“Cpl. Hernandez embodies the Marine Corps core values and
demonstrates them to her Marines through her actions,” said 1st Lt. Myles N. Morrow,
the 1st platoon commander and air support control officer with MASS-1. “On top
of devoting herself to her job, she also has completed thousands of hours
volunteering at churches, nursing homes and animal shelters.”
Hernandez has volunteered more than 1,000 hours in the local
community in the past 31 months. She has contributed countless hours at the
Newport Retirement Home and to Habitat for Humanity.
“Hernandez consistently helps others,” said Morrow. “She
always does things that aren’t going to benefit her, but are going to benefit
others. There is no one more deserving of this award than her.”
Hernandez’s leadership spoke during the award presentation,
highlighting her many accomplishments. Additionally, the Carteret County
Chamber of Commerce and other community representatives honored Hernandez with
a framed American Flag and other gifts thanking her for her service in the
community.
“I volunteer because I enjoy it,” said Hernandez. “There is
no better feeling than helping others; seeing a smile on others faces is an
award in itself.”
Hernandez likes to support events with music, kids and
retirement homes.
“Being honored as the Service person of the Quarter is
unreal,” said Hernandez. “I don’t do it to get praised for it or looking for an
award; I do it because I get to help people.”
As Hernandez continues her tenure in the Marine Corps, she
plans to continue volunteering and encouraging her Marines to volunteer as
well.
“The difference starts with you,” said Hernandez. “With
every positive action comes a positive result. Be the change you want to see.”