Photo of the Week - Marine Corps Child of the Year: Erika Booth
After Six schools, five moves, eight houses, and ten Marine deployments, sixteen-year-old Erika Booth has always managed to stay positive, strong and resilient. This 2012, Operation Homefront Marine Corps Child of the Year was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disorder, but does not let the disease stop her from energetically going on with her life. Her love of supporting and helping others is what keeps Erika going.
Ranked first in her class, junior class president, vice president for her local Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter and a mentor with the Drug Education for Youth Program, Erika is an extraordinary example of a young leader. She not only is a great leader in the community, but a best friend and a trusted, primary caregiver for her thirteen-year-old autistic brother. Operation Homefront and the Marine Corps recognized Erika for her leadership, sacrifice, and volunteerism. She enjoys being on committees, volunteering, and making a difference in her community.
On 5 April 2012 in Washington D.C., Erika was recognized for all of her hard work. She was selected from a pool of more than 1,000 nominees, and was chosen by a committee, which included active duty military personnel, Family Readiness Support Assistants, teachers, military mothers, and community members. Erika Booth is a special kid, she is a young leader who stands out among her peers in the community. She loves being a military child and is extremely proud of her father who is in the Marine Corps and serves our country every day. Daily, she demonstrates resilience and strength of character, and thrives in the face of the challenges of military life. When adversity hits, Erika is an inspiration to others to face their problems and succeed in life.
Congratulations Erika on your achievement!
For more information, check out Erika’s interview with CNN here.
MCA&F is the preeminent association and foundation for ALL Marines and friends of the Corps dedicated to development and recognition of professional excellence. Join MCA&F and help us support today’s Marines. Membership dues and retail purchases at The MARINE Shop provide support to MCA&F programs. As a member, you will have access to our flagship magazines, Marine Corps Gazette and Leatherneck, to stay informed on issues affecting Marines as well as unfolding Marine Corps history. Members receive other benefits including discounts with affinity partners and member value pricing at MCA&F retail locations.
Member Oorahs!
Just a quick note of thanks to Patty Everett. I arrived home from a week vacation to find a package from the Marine Corps Association. I was expecting to find one of the magazines I requested, however, I was pleasantly surprised to discover both magazines were inside. In a time when it seems no one cares about customer satisfaction I am gratified to discover that customer service is not a lost art at the MCA. Once again I thank you for your efforts on my request. It may have been thing but the effort made a huge impression.
I received them this morning. Thank you so much for your help! you guys are awesome and you will have my business for any uniform or military need in the future as well as a hearty recommendation via word of mouth to anyone who wonders where they should purchase uniforms from!
Ms. Pappas,
Congratulations. You are more responsive and informative than any other website contact I can recall. I appreciate that very much. It’s really nice to have someone like you at the MCA “front door.”
Sincerely, Alfred
Jessica,
Thank you so much for taking the extra time and making the extra effort
to ship another hat to me for my husband last week. The second hat
arrived last Thursday... and he was tickled with it. Although it may be
"only a hat" it is a very special hat in many ways. He will always be a
proud Marine dad, and your kindness is very much appreciated.
I received my blouse last Friday and want to thank you for your efforts
in getting things done. Also, please thank the tailors involved in
making everything right and please give my sincere thanks to those who
made the decision to make the necessary corrections at no charge to me.
That in itself says a lot about your organization. The blouse fits
like a glove and actually looks and feels like new.
Thank you and all the staff who had a hand in correcting a problem and making an old man happy. Semper Fi
Sincerely,
I'm so pleased to see all the great merchandise you are stocking and the awesome promotions. Your store was dissappointing a few years ago and I shopped only at Sgt Grit.
Now, I can find what I am looking for with you guys.
Great job!
Colonel Ford, I have to pass this on because I'm in shock that I was able to Connect (on the first Ring), Chat and concluded my business with "Sharon" in less than 30 seconds, at the MCA-Office. I was taken by surprise. Why, I'm Not used to anyone answering the phone especially on the first ring. AND...a human being...a lovely lady with a disarming voice, which at first I thought was a recording. WOW! I commend THE MCA for doing such an outstanding service for its members...make me proud. Just think...I was not asked "if I knew my parties Extension."?
Wish I had a Blog...I would spread around how delighted I am. What transpired to me today is Rare, just doesn't happen anymore. See, I'm so impressed I'm blitzing you here.
S/F
You have been the easiest person I have ever dealt with since I have started MWR out here. You were very quick to respond to my every question and very knowledgeable about your work for an order over a phone that was my greatest experience. If you were in the Marine Corps Skylar I would write you up for a meritorious promotion. I will surely write it in my books to pass the word to the next MWR rep to continue the membership with you guys.
Sgt Richard Colmenarez
It is ALWAYS a pleasure to work with a consummate professional such as SgtMaj (Ret.) Frank Pulley. As the company 1stSgt for Hotel Company, MCT, SOI (West), I’ve attended a number of his briefs and one can visually see a positive change in the student’s attention levels as the SgtMaj delivers his presentation. The SgtMaj truly cares about the Marines and the Marine Corps and represents the MCA in an extremely admirable manner. It has been my experience that all Marines (including myself) benefit from the experience of attending a MCA presentation. And regardless of rank or years of experience, Marines should always seek to increase their level of proficiency and knowledge and MCA briefs provide us with that opportunity.
My Name is Sergeant Major Juan. M. Hidalgo, Sergeant Major of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) out of Camp Pendleton, CA. Sergeant Major (Ret.) Frank Pulley is one of my mentors and is someone that I have a tremendous amount of respect for. The MCA and SgtMaj Pulley do a phenomenal job in helping us recognize our Marines and Sailors and they continually demonstrate that they are always more than ready to support; anytime...Anyplace! And on behalf of the entire 13th MEU, I thank you very much!
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