MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The 3rd Annual Family Legacy and Leadership Expo was held at Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club, Oct. 21, to showcase resources available to service members for helping with day-to-day issues.
Some of the organizations in attendance were Military OneSource and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, which both offer financial counseling, assistance in planning for new children, post-combat issues among other services.
“Whether they are offering an interest-free loan or counseling, these organizations are here to help the service member and their family however they can,” said Kim A. Disarro, prevention education specialist, Marine Corps Community Services Counseling Services.
The event was geared towards staff non-commissioned officers and officers; however, anyone on base was welcome to attend.
“We are using the Family Legacy and Leadership Expo as an opportunity to pull together the leadership on base and enlighten them on various resources available to help their subordinates,” said Disarro.
Those who were invited as leaders came to the expo prepared to gather information for their troops.
Nineteen different organizations participated in the affair showcasing what they offer and had representatives available to discuss the details of their program or even give help onsite.
“My (job) has one of the highest demographics of private through lance corporals, with about a 50 to 50 male and female ratio,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael A. Roth, staff non-commissioned officer in charge, Installation Personnel Administration Center, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “Most of my Marines are already married with children; this event has a lot of great resources for them.”
Knowing about available resources can also be useful whether a service member is new to the military or not.
“The expo is extremely beneficial, whether you’re becoming a new parent or you’re new to Camp Pendleton,” said Cpl. Josh D. Rosario, airframes mechanic, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268, 3rd Marine Air Wing, who has been at Camp Pendleton for the past two years.
For more information on the services showcased at this year’s expo, visit www.mccscp.com or call (760) 725-9051.