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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County recognize Navy volunteers

  • Published
  • By Pattie Odoardo
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County honored its 2010 volunteers at a breakfast recently held at the Quality Inn in Toms River.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jamal Goodson, 87th Security Forces Squadron, was recognized as Big Brother of the Year 2010.

As the coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County's partnership mentoring program at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Goodson is a Big Brother, mentor, positive role model and special friend to his little brother. He helps run a basketball camp in Patterson, New Jersey, interacts with children in the schools and is an active volunteer through his church preparing meals for the less fortunate.

"Being a part of this organization has given me the opportunity to be a positive male role model for children from single parent families," said Goodson. "It has allowed me to do something positive with my free time and be a part of something bigger than myself."

JB MDL Navy Personnel received the Special Volunteer Recognition Award for going above and beyond in their commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters and the children they serve. In addition to mentoring the children, they conduct activities for the children on base and provide leadership and a positive role model.

Recipients of this group award are Capt. Andy Butterfield; U.S. Navy Lt. Genevieve Clark; Command Master Chief Herb Kelton; Chief Glen Kildare; Chief Shawn Lawrence; Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Lonergan; Petty Officer 1st Class Brandi Jasso; Petty Officer 2nd Class Maurice Watson; Petty Officer 2nd Class Blair Preston; Petty Officer 2nd Class Nneka Edwards and Petty Officer 2nd Class David Caparoula.