Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point personnel visited Tucker Creek Middle School to participate at their annual eighth grade career day in Havelock, North Carolina, Oct. 24, 2022. Each group explained their career field, the education necessary, and the components and equipment used to do their job.

“Career day is meant to broaden [the students] ideas and start them thinking about careers,” said Patricia White, the Tucker Creek Middle School counselor. “It’s an opportunity to ask those questions and get an idea of what they want to learn more about going into high school.”

The visit was in conjunction with MCAS Cherry Point Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) Adopt-A-School partnership with the school. Through this program, schools in the community and units on the installation have a direct connection, providing support, mentorship, and additional resources to the schools.

“When I was growing up, I didn’t see a lot of these kind of events,” said Master Sgt. Carlos Villarreal, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with H&HS. “It feels good to be able to show the students the importance of education and give them some insight on the opportunities the military offers.”

White said she believes the program strengthens the relationship between the community and the installation.

“Tucker Creek Middle School really appreciates the close-knit community and the support from H&HS,” White said. “They have made sure that we have Marines to support us and our kids are very excited when they see them. I think it helps them feel supported and at home.”

Villarreal said volunteering at local schools is an example of a great way to give back to the community.

“Part of being a Marine is understanding that it’s not just defending the country, but also giving back to the community, and this is an awesome opportunity to do that,” Villareal said.

In addition to EOD’s volunteerism through the Adopt-A-School partnership, engineers from Fleet Readiness Center East and 1st Lt. Jameson Broggi, MCAS Cherry Point deputy staff judge advocate, attended the career day as presenters for their career fields.