MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Marine Corps takes great pride in ensuring that every Marine, no matter their rank, is a leader and one Marine aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, took his leadership skills and used them to give back to others.
Lance Cpl. Kishun Parrott, a warehouseman with Combat Logistics Company 36, actively volunteers with the Single Marine Program and other programs. Most recently, he volunteered for the SMP’s Day of Service event April 22, 2015.
“The Day of Service was an event made to show appreciation for the service members who have been volunteering with the SMP,” said Parrott. “We’re just giving back to the community, not because we have to, but because we want to. We contribute to the trash that’s on the ground so it’s only fair that we help clean it up.”
Four short months after Parrott arrived aboard station he took on the responsibility of being a SMP representative for his unit and is now the head SMP representative for CLC-36.
“I took this role because I found myself to be an outspoken individual,” said Parrott. “When I got to the unit, service members weren’t getting information about upcoming SMP events so I decided to do it myself. I feel like if I give back to the Marines in my unit, it will help out unit cohesion.”
CLC-36 recognized Parrott for the position when he stood in front of his unit one day to speak about making a roster for Zombie Tag, a Commanders Cup event. Afterwards, the head representative praised his communication skills, saying that he would be good at passing word throughout the unit and offered him the job.
“I choose to volunteer, not because I’m a SMP representative, but because of where I come from,” said Parrott. “I come from a poor community where a helping hand was always given out, so now I feel like I should give back.”
SMP provides programs and activities that help single Marines get out of their rooms and do something productive like explore Japan for a reasonable price.
“I think SMP is great for single Marines that are away from family,” said Brian Wilson, the SMP manager. “Being here in Japan, you’re a long way from home, so this program helps comfort service members by giving them the opportunity to hang out with others that are going through the same exact thing they are.”
For more information on SMP events or activities, you can visit the Marine Lounge on the second floor of Crossroads Mall, the Hornet’s Nest, or call them at 253-5368 or 253-3585.