2025 MCA Award Winners
Spouse & Community Awards
Community Catalyst
The Community Catalyst of the Year Award recognizes leaders who bring people together—those who spark collaboration, nurture belonging, and empower others to lead. Catalysts are the ones who turn connection into momentum and kindness into culture.
East Region – Berlinda Castillo
Berlinda Castillo has long been a cornerstone of the Camp Lejeune community—an organizer, mentor, and advocate whose leadership has created meaningful opportunities for connection and growth among Marine Corps spouses and families. Her work reflects a rare combination of empathy, excellence, and initiative, making her a true catalyst for community transformation.
As President of the Camp Lejeune Leadership Seminar (CLLS), Berlinda leads one of the Marine Corps’ most impactful spouse development programs. The three-day seminar provides military spouses with resources, tools, and confidence to thrive in military life. Under Berlinda’s leadership, the program routinely reaches full capacity within minutes of registration opening—proof of its quality, credibility, and impact. Each session she coordinates reflects meticulous attention to detail, from selecting speakers who inspire to curating an atmosphere where attendees feel both challenged and supported.
Beyond logistics, Berlinda has nurtured an environment where every spouse feels valued. Her inclusive leadership ensures that participants from all backgrounds and experiences are welcomed, encouraged, and connected. She approaches community building as an act of service—one rooted in empathy and guided by purpose.
Berlinda’s impact extends far beyond CLLS. Through her volunteer service in Family Readiness programs, she has organized events that meet the diverse needs of military families—from resilience workshops and cultural celebrations to resource fairs and holiday gatherings. Her creativity and warmth make every event memorable, but it is the sense of belonging she fosters that lingers most.
A champion for equity and inclusion, Berlinda ensures that every spouse—regardless of language, culture, or circumstance—feels seen. Her advocacy has improved access to resources, representation in leadership spaces, and awareness of the diverse experiences within the Marine Corps family.
Her service has been recognized nationally and locally: Mighty MilSpouse – Camp Lejeune 2025, multiple Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, and the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year – Camp Lejeune 2023. Yet despite the accolades, Berlinda remains humble, driven not by recognition but by the quiet satisfaction of knowing she has made a difference.
In every setting, Berlinda is a connector—someone who turns good ideas into great communities. Through her leadership, hundreds of spouses have found purpose, friendship, and empowerment. She exemplifies what it means to be a Community Catalyst: someone who brings people together, builds others up, and leaves the Marine Corps family stronger than she found it.
West Region – Lindsay Swoboda
Lindsay Swoboda is a storyteller, mentor, and builder of community whose creativity and courage have inspired military spouses around the world. Through her writing, podcasting, and outreach, Lindsay has created spaces where connection flourishes and resilience grows—spaces that remind every Marine spouse that their story matters.
A Marine Corps spouse, writer, and host of The Choosing Brave Podcast, Lindsay uses storytelling as both a bridge and a catalyst. Her podcast and accompanying newsletter, The Uplift, share honest, thoughtful conversations that normalize the challenges of military life—PCS moves, deployments, identity shifts, and the search for meaning. Her guests represent a wide spectrum of experiences, and her approach is grounded in authenticity and empathy. For many, listening to Lindsay’s work feels like finding a friend who understands.
Lindsay’s reach extends beyond the digital world. She has led writing and journaling workshops for military-connected organizations including the InDependent Wellness Summit, Rick Herrema Foundation, and JBSA Lackland Library, where she helps spouses and service members tap into the healing power of creativity. Her mentorship of emerging writers and podcasters multiplies her impact, equipping others to use their voices to build community and drive change.
What sets Lindsay apart is her vulnerability. She leads by example, sharing her own moments of struggle and growth with courage and grace. Her openness invites others to shed comparison and connect on a deeper level, creating a ripple effect of honesty, belonging, and hope.
Having lived and served alongside her family at duty stations across Korea, Morocco, Ecuador, and now Texas, Lindsay’s message is both global and deeply personal. She reminds us that community is not tied to geography—it’s built through intention, empathy, and shared humanity.
Through her creative leadership, Lindsay has turned connection into movement. She champions mental wellness, resilience, and self-discovery within the military spouse community and beyond. Her work embodies the heart of the Community Catalyst Award: transforming individual stories into collective strength and helping others find the courage to build, create, and connect.
Pacific Region – Vincent Toth
Vincent “Vinny” Toth is redefining what community leadership looks like. A visionary, mentor, and advocate, Vinny has built an inclusive, dynamic network of spouses across Okinawa and inspired countless others to lead with authenticity and heart. His commitment to connection has reshaped the Marine Corps spouse experience in the Pacific.
As President of the North Island Okinawa Spouses Club (NIOSC), Vinny led the organization through a transformational chapter—making it the first all-inclusive spouses club on Okinawa. Under his guidance, NIOSC opened its doors to spouses of every rank, branch, and background, intentionally dismantling barriers that often divide and replacing them with a culture of belonging.
Vinny’s vision for inclusion wasn’t just philosophical—it was actionable. He restructured the club’s bylaws, created sub-clubs that connected members through shared interests, and launched new engagement platforms that brought spouses together in meaningful ways. The result: a thriving, collaborative community that celebrates diversity and mutual respect.
Beyond club leadership, Vinny helped bring TEDx to Okinawa, giving military spouses and service members a platform to share their stories, struggles, and successes. He also played a central role in planning events such as the Molly Pitcher Celebration and speaking engagements at the Okinawa Leadership Seminar, where he advocates for balance, professional growth, and community wellness.
Vinny’s impact is deeply personal. He is known for his accessibility—mentoring new spouses, offering resume help, connecting families with resources, or simply being a listening ear. His approach to leadership is grounded in service and empathy; he doesn’t just lead from the front—he walks beside those he serves.
His recognition as the 2022 Marine Corps Spouse of the Year is only one testament to his influence. More telling is the enduring community he has built—a model of inclusion that other installations now seek to emulate.
Vinny’s leadership reminds us that community is not accidental—it is built through intention, generosity, and courage. His example continues to inspire others to create spaces of belonging wherever Marines and their families serve. For his vision, innovation, and heart, Vincent Toth exemplifies the very spirit of a Community Catalyst—a leader who doesn’t just connect people, but empowers them to connect others.
Community Changemaker
The Change Maker of the Year Award celebrates those who don’t just identify challenges—they act on them. These individuals create meaningful, lasting change that improves lives and strengthens our communities.
East Region – Dr. Soyini “Soy” Garvey
Dr. Soyini “Soy” Garvey is a visionary leader whose creativity and determination have transformed the military-connected community in Albany, Georgia. A tireless volunteer and advocate, Soy has dedicated countless hours to strengthening bonds between the base and the surrounding area—often identifying needs that others overlook and turning them into lasting initiatives that serve hundreds of families.
When she noticed that local schools lacked programs to support military-connected students, Soy didn’t wait for change to come—she created it. As Chairperson for the Month of the Military Child “Purple Up” Spirit Week at Lake Park Elementary, she built an annual tradition that celebrates resilience, educates students and teachers about military life, and connects families who might otherwise feel unseen. Over the past three years, her efforts have touched more than 500 students and parents, with events supported by the school, MCCS Albany, the Base Chaplain, and community partners like Navy Federal Credit Union and United through Reading.
Soy also served as the inaugural Chairperson of the Dubber’s Oak Leadership Seminar, the first two-day leadership event of its kind in the Albany region. Working with a small team of just four spouses, she overcame logistical challenges and limited resources to deliver a dynamic seminar that empowered Marine Corps spouses through personal and professional development. The event brought together base leadership, local business leaders, and educators, including the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Albany State University, marking a new era of collaboration in the region.
Her commitment to change extends beyond programming. When access to dental care for dependents became a serious concern in the Albany area, Soy volunteered to conduct extensive community research, helping base leadership document the issue and advocate for improved services. Her meticulous work directly informed an official request to Headquarters Marine Corps—a lasting example of how grassroots initiative can influence institutional change.
Through all her efforts, Soy leads with empathy, professionalism, and quiet strength. She demonstrates that true impact is born from service, not spotlight. Whether mentoring parents, coordinating with local organizations, or volunteering at school events, Soy continues to model what it means to be a Change Maker—someone who doesn’t just improve a program, but transforms a community.
West Region – Kandi Hart
For more than two decades, Kandi Hart has been a pillar of connection, inclusion, and mentorship within the Marine Corps community. From battalion command to regimental leadership, Kandi has dedicated herself to uniting families, supporting spouses, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued—regardless of rank or background.
Kandi’s leadership journey began with a simple but profound act. At her first meeting with volunteers at 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, she noticed spouses sitting apart—officers’ spouses on one side, enlisted on the other. Without hesitation, she sat down in the middle and declared, “There is no rank among spouses—we are all equal.” That principle became the foundation of her leadership style and the culture she cultivated throughout her husband’s subsequent commands.
During multiple tours in Twentynine Palms, Kandi poured her time, creativity, and resources into making the desert duty station feel like home. She organized countless inclusive gatherings and home-cooked meals for Marines and Sailors living in the barracks, personally hosting events that made young service members feel like family. As President of the Military Spouses Association, she revitalized scholarship and grant programs, bringing new life to community fundraising and ensuring educational opportunities for military children.
Kandi’s mentorship extends far beyond events. She is known for offering guidance and encouragement to new spouses navigating the challenges of military life—many of whom continue to seek her advice long after moving to new duty stations. A working professional herself, she models balance, grace, and generosity, showing that leadership and kindness can coexist in every role.
Perhaps most telling is the letter written to her by a young spouse she mentored: “From the moment I arrived, you made this place feel like home. Your energy is contagious, your humor unmatched, and your heart boundless. You turn the simplest moments into something special.”
Kandi’s impact is lasting and deeply personal. She has created a legacy of belonging that continues to ripple through the Marine Corps community. Through empathy, action, and tireless service, she embodies the true meaning of a Change Maker—someone who transforms not just programs or policies, but people.
Pacific Region – Jennifer Hall
Jen Hall is proof that lasting change often begins with one person’s determination to meet a simple need. When Jen recognized that food insecurity was quietly affecting military families on Okinawa, she helped transform concern into action—co-founding the Okinawa Food Pantry, a grassroots initiative that has since become a cornerstone of community support across the island.
What began as a small, volunteer-run project has grown—under Jen’s guidance—into a well-organized, sustainable resource serving hundreds of families each year. She helped design and implement a hybrid distribution model that allows families in northern bases without a physical pantry to access food assistance through coordinated networks and mobile distribution. Her leadership was instrumental in establishing a second permanent pantry location at Camp Kinser, expanding the reach and resilience of the effort.
Jen’s influence extends well beyond logistics. She has been a steady, calming presence during crises—coordinating typhoon readiness efforts for military families, organizing supplies, and ensuring communication lines remained open in challenging times. Her ability to anticipate needs and mobilize volunteers has made her a trusted leader, particularly for those navigating isolation or unexpected hardship far from home.
At the same time, Jen has been a pillar of support for her husband’s command, balancing community leadership with family commitments, including parenting a high school senior. Her quiet humility and unwavering commitment have inspired a team of volunteers who carry forward her example of servant leadership.
Jen’s legacy is one of compassion and empowerment. By building systems that sustain rather than simply serve, she has ensured that her impact will endure long after her time on island. Through innovation, kindness, and collaboration, Jen Hall has proven that meaningful change begins with empathy—and grows through community
MCA Marine Corps Spouse Scholarship
The Marine Corps Association’s Marine Corps Spouse Scholarship, in partnership with Columbia Southern University, celebrates the resilience, ambition, and spirit of Marine Corps spouses. By supporting spouses who are pursuing education or professional development and who exemplify the strength and connection that sustain Marine Corps families, this scholarship honors their vital role of those behind the camouflage—uplifting those who serve in their own extraordinary way.
Mrs. Alexis Soucie
Alexis Soucie has served in the field of education for more than 14 years, with a specialized focus on Special Education. She has worked in both traditional brick-and-mortar settings with DoDEA and as a remote education specialist for the past eight years. Alexis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Special Education, and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Her long-term goal is to complete a Doctorate in Education with a concentration in education policy, with the mission of strengthening support systems for all students—particularly military-connected learners navigating the unique challenges of modern education.
Alexis has been married to her Marine for 23 years, and together they have three children: Lillian (19), a sophomore at Syracuse University; William (17), a high school senior; and Quinlan (14), a high school freshman.
In her free time, Alexis enjoys all things outdoors and especially loves planning and leading an annual women’s running expedition through the Grand Canyon.
Alexis plans to pursue a Doctorate of Organizational Leadership.
Gazette Distinguished Authors
GySgt Jeremy Kofsky, USMC (Ret)
Mr. Kofsky is a twenty-year retired Marine with two decades of operational experience across five continents and 13 deployments. He is the recipient of the 2022 Expeditionary Warfare Excellence Award, a Brute Krulak Scholar, and a Research Leader for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Chief Digital Officer Fellowship.
LtCol Greg Thiele, USMC (Ret)
LtCol Thiele retired in 2018 after nearly 26 years of service. He spent 4 years as a defensive electronics countermeasures technician with MALS-16 (with which unit he deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operations Desert Shield / Desert Storm in 1990 – 1991). Greg became a commissioned officer in 1996 and served as an infantry officer. He deployed twice to Iraq in 2005-2006 and 2007.
CMC Rapid Response Essay Contest
First Place – LtCol Joe “Pappy” Papay, USMC (Ret)
Lieutenant Colonel Joe “Pappy” Papay, USMC (Ret.) was the Commanding Officer of VMFA(AW)-533, an F/A-18D Hornet squadron stationed at MCAS, Beaufort, South Carolina. His career as a Marine Aviator (MOS 7525/7587) spanned almost 22 years, logging 198 combat missions and over 5,000 flight hours in the F-4 Phantom and F/A-18 Hornet.
Lt. Col Papay is a graduate of TOPGUN and the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) program and he later served at MAWTS-1 in both the F-4 Division and Aviation Tactics Development & Evaluation Department(ADT&E) as the Anti-Air Warfare Specialist. During his career, he made multiple deployments including WESTPAC and Aviano, Italy in support of NATO and Operation Deny Flight.
After retiring from the Corps in 1997, he held senior leadership roles in global sourcing and consulting, where he guided executives on emerging technologies. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada and now enjoys golf, traveling and writing.
Second Place – Maj Patrick Healy
Since June 2024, Maj Patrick “8-Track” Healy has served as a Faculty Advisor at the Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) in Quantico, VA. From June 2022 to June 2024, Maj Healy was the Executive Officer for 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (1st ANGLICO) at Camp Pendleton, CA. Prior to that, Maj Healy served as the Air Officer for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) from July 2020 to June 2022 and deployed with WESTPAC 21.2 from August 2021 to March 2022. From May 2019 to July 2020, I commanded Headquarters Company at The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, where I also served as a Fires Instructor and Staff Platoon Commander from 2018 to 2019. Earlier assignments include serving with HMLA-269 and VMM-365 at MCAS New River, during which Maj Healy deployed with the 24th MEU in 2017, as well as an earlier deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 14.1–14.2 from May 2014 – Oct 2014 with HMLA-467.
Third Place – LCpl Caroline Perkins, USMC
Lance Corporal Caroline Perkins serves as a Combat Graphics Specialist (MOS 4512)with II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF)at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. A native of Redondo Beach, California, she currently holds the position of social media manager for II MEF.
In this role, Lance Cpl. Perkins plays a vital part in supporting the command’s mission by curating strategic social media content and producing high-quality graphic assets. Her work ensures that II MEF maintains a strong and professional presence across digital platforms. In addition to her graphic design responsibilities, she provides photography support for key events and engagements involving the commanding general.
A dedicated and proactive Marine, Lance Cpl. Perkins consistently sets the standard through her initiative and commitment to excellence. She looks forward to continued growth in her career and contributing to the success of the Marine Corps’ communication efforts.
Honorable Mention – Col George David, USMC
Col David is the Marine Chair and an Assistant Professor at the Eisenhower School of National Security and Resource Strategy under the National Defense University. He is a career intelligence officer with diverse deployments, including several years in combat zones and seven sea service deployment positions with three Marine Expeditionary Units.
