Reader Report: Programs help Marine families cope with departures

Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary continues its support of the Marines, Sailors and families based at Camp Pendleton.

For Flag Day, June 14, Col. Chris Keane, USMC (Ret.) the new executive director of the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), Camp Pendleton, was invited to explain the organization’s mission.

The ASYMCA provides programs and services focused on helping the junior enlisted, in order to increase their quality of life, reduce stress and strengthen families.

“Our Marines and Sailors today embody self-sacrifice and service before self,” Keane said.

In 2015, the ASYMCA had 166 volunteers, who put in more than 2,000 hours to make the life of Marines, Sailors and their families just a little bit easier.

It’s important to understand that Marines are required to always be ready to respond to crises. That means keeping each Marine at peak performance.

Family issues for the 40% who are married make it vital for the ASYMCA to exist, providing help during family emergencies of all types, and helping families to thrive, not just survive.

Keane, a former helicopter pilot and commander, with Marine-like efficiency described an annual budget ($3.8 million) to serve these 56,000. For every dollar donated, 91% goes directly to programs and services, he said.

Right now, the ASYMCA’s current shortfall is $160,000 for its most effective programs.

Those involving children are most critical, including the Fisher Children’s Center, Preschool Program, SOI Recreation Center and the Hospital Child Watch Program.

The Child Watch at the Naval Hospital is a free drop-off program available to families with medical appointments at the hospital.

It is a first-come, first-served program with a time limit of one hour. During the first six months of implementation the “no-show” rate for appointments was reduced by 35%

After 12 years of supporting Marine Corps families, all families have crises at one time or another, like any family. Their sacrifice is a way of life, not just a temporary situation.

Keane, a 27-year veteran, understands the hardships of military life: constant moving in the U.S. and overseas, children changing schools, making and losing friends, and the spouse being both parents while “Daddy or Mommy is away for seven months.”

Keane emphasized by example how this nonorganization touches lives. In 2015, the Fisher Children’s Center supported nearly 900 children. Austin’s Playroom, known as Hospital Child Watch, supported some 3,800 children and Marines, fresh out of boot camp, who attend the School of Infantry (SOI) while being supported by ASYMCA in huge numbers — over 20,000.

As Keane concluded, “Would you like to help us support those that protect our freedoms? “

The answer is absolutely. Fully tax-deductible, helping those who defend us is easy and collectively, we can make a huge difference. Donate online: camppendletonasymca.org.

Mail checks to: ASYMCA, PO BOX 555028, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055.

To volunteer, call (760) 385-4921.

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Newport Beach resident LAURA DIETZ is Rotary’s military liaison to Camp Pendleton’s Wounded Warrior program.