Some Marines volunteer their coaching skills.

Throughout the island, Marines capitalize on this opportunity by taking off their uniform and donning cleats and whistles to coach young people in a variety of sports.

Like parents, coaches provide children with insight and knowledge to make them successful, according to Brown.

"Before we became United States Marines, we were impacted by someone in our communities to better ourselves," said Brown. "The way (Marines give back) is through volunteerism. Youth Sports is the perfect venue."

Marines are natural leaders and use the core values and leadership skills they were taught and incorporate it into their coaching, she added.

"When you are 17 and just joining the Corps, there are not too many Marines looking for your words of wisdom," Brown said. "Why not utilize the skills you do have? Strength, speed and agility! It also affords our young Marines insight into what effort is required in coordinating games, practices, rides to the venue and, finally, the celebration event of a winning season."

"We share our knowledge with the kids and teach them more of the sport they didn't know," said Lance Cpl. Julian Almeraz, a fiscal clerk with MAG-36. "I teach so I can see the kids grow in the sport they play and I enjoy the time I spend with them."

According to Cpl. Michal Castaneda, volunteer coach and fiscal noncommissioned officer for MAG-36, coaching is another way Marines can stand out and demonstrate their hard work and dedication outside of their normal responsibilities.

"Lance Cpl. Almeraz was a role model to the kids," said Castaneda. "He stepped up and played the role of head coach in my absence. He knew (baseball) well and knew what skills and techniques to teach the kids."

"I use the leadership skills I was taught in the Marine Corps but I tweak them a bit to be more fitting to the youth," said Almaraz. "I teach them to never quit and never give up on themselves or the team."

The Marines have also taught the young athletes skills their personal mentors have taught them through their career in the Marine Corps.

"Young Marines will learn that (the Marine Corps' 14 leadership traits) can be applied to all aspects of our lives," Brown said.

Coaching also provides Marines an opportunity to teach the children how to work as a team and look out for each other, said Cpl. Renzo Ordinola, volunteer coach and supply administrator with MAG-36.

"We also taught them about integrity and to always do the right thing," Ordinola said of his recent experience coaching a youth baseball team.

"My son's baseball team had a superb group of young Marines as volunteer coaches. These four Marines showed up without fail, often at their own personal expense, and provided great instruction to a group of inexperienced kids that ended up going to the finals," said Col. Stephen B. Lewallen, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, of his son's coaches: Castaneda, Ordinola, Almaraz and Cpl. Lahlohonolo Mahlabe, a supply clerk for MAG-36. 

For more information on volunteering, contact Marine Corps Community Services at 645-7766 or visit their website at www.mccsokinawa.com.