MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- The city of Havelock and the Havelock Military Affairs Committee presented the Havelock Service Family of the Quarter award to Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan A. Oakley and his family at the Carolina Grill July 27.
Oakley is the adjutant for the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Marine Unit, and according to his family biography, he has found time to volunteer in the community despite his demanding job.
Oakley volunteers as a youth sports coach, a Cub Scout assistant cubmaster and a Girl Scout adult leader in a local troop.
“Gunnery Sgt. Oakley is a prime example of what I expect out of my Marines, but I love it when the families pitch in as much as this family here has,” said Lt. Col. Paul M. Melchior, commanding officer of CNATT.
Oakley’s wife, Tori, has volunteered her efforts to the community as well.
Her biography states that she volunteers as a local Girl Scout Troop leader and the Girl Scout service unit coordinator, training leaders and recruitment organizers.
She is also the treasurer for Tucker Creek Performing Arts Booster club and a chaperone for multiple events and field trips for the local schools.
“My children are their own rulers when it comes to volunteer work,” said Oakley. “My son and daughter, Curtis and Destiny, both have approached me with things they wanted to do themselves to help the community.”
Destiny organized a Stop Hunger Now event at the Cherry Tree House, where more than 10,000 prepared meals were collected for shipment to Haiti.
“My husband and I volunteered in the Stop Hunger Now event to assist my daughter,” said Tori. “My daughter is extremely passionate about the event.”
Curtis organized the can tab drive that took place at W.J. Gurganus Elementary School in Havelock that helped benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Greenville.
“I always have to bring home the shop’s can tabs for my son,” said Oakley. “He is very passionate about this.”
Numerous CNATT Marines have been awarded for their dedicated service to the community in the last year.
Another family was awarded the Service Family of the Quarter at the beginning of this year and the American Legion Spirit of Service Award is being presented to a CNATT sergeant at the end of the month.
“CNATT will have many more Marines and families getting awards like this,” said Melchior. “However, this doesn’t take away from the great things the Oakley family has done for this community. We are here to show gratitude and thanks to one amazing family.”