Good for You, Good for Me. However, the things I have done outside the classroom have provided my most valuable and practical education. As commissioned officers of the United States Navy or Marine Corps, it will be our unique responsibility to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and by corollary, all citizens who live under its laws and philosophies. However, we must not be satisfied with protecting the nation but must be active contributors to it.
Public service is our obligation, both in and out of uniform.
Community service and volunteerism are by far and away the most worthwhile and productive things we can do. It develops our communities and creates a positive image for the military. On 18 October, an outstanding group of fourteen midshipmen volunteered to work at St. Mark's Hot Meal Program, a program to feed the homeless organized and funded by St. Mark's Episcopal Church. This motivating bunch finished setup in half the time it normally takes other groups, preparing more than 100 place settings, countless loaves of bread, over four large pans of chicken a la king, large vats of rice, and more than 100 bag lunches. In all, we served over 130 people.