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JB MDL Sailor wins New Jersey Big Brother of the Year award

  • Published
  • By Pattie Odoardo
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs Office
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Master at Arms, Petty Officer Second Class Jamal Goodson, 87th Security Forces Squadron, has been selected as the 2010 New Jersey Big Brother of the Year.

After winning the Ocean County Big Brother of the Year, Goodson advanced and won at the state level. He will now compete for the national title which will be announced at the end of March.

"Being a big brother is a great honor in itself but winning "Big" for the state is surreal," stated Goodson.

Becoming a big brother or big sister involves a one year commitment that requires the volunteers to meet with their little brother or sister at least twice a month. As a "Big", Goodson has taken on the responsibility of being a positive role model and is dedicated to spending time with his little brother. Some of the activities they share are doing homework, trips to the amusement parks, going to the movies and cooking.

Goodson also serves as the Navy liaison with the Ocean County Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization assisting other Sailors in joining. He also assists Sailors in volunteering for other community activities which include local school programs.

Serving as a mentor and working with youth programs in Paterson, New Jersey is extremely important to him.

"I work mainly at basketball camps or speaking at schools about my military experience and how it can be a different avenue if they don't choose to go to college," stated Goodson.

Goodson will be transferring this summer to his new duty station in Italy. He is looking forward to being a Big Brother there, but if they don't have that type of program, he plans to start one.

We wish Goodson the best of luck competing for the national award.