Volunteerism Is A Way Of Life For San Diego's Susan Righthouse

San Diego CA

19 April, 2021

9:00 AM

Description

Some people are volunteers at heart. Susan M. Righthouse of San Diego, California is one of those people. So much so, in fact, that for National Volunteer Week – April 18 – 24, the Young Marines has declared her the Adult Volunteer of the Year for Division 6. This division includes eight states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Young Marines is a national youth education and service program for boys and girls, age 8 through the completion of high school. It promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building, leadership, and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Righthouse volunteers with the Miramar Young Marines in San Diego. Her title is the Unit Executive Officer, and she has volunteered more than 6,000 community service hours in the Young Marines program. She began with the Young Marines in 2013. "Susan's passion and determination really stand out in all she has done for her unit as well as for the organization," said Col William P. Davis USMC (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. "It is especially meaningful to present this award during April which is National Volunteer Month. She is a wonderful mentor and teacher, reflecting all the best traits of our volunteers." Righthouse's passion is working with and helping children. Proof of this is her former 30-year career as a detective with the San Diego Police Department. For 20 of those years, she investigated child abuse cases and served on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. She feels that because of the support, dedication, and tireless efforts of all the adult volunteers, the program is very successful. "We had a Young Marine who was a young teen when he joined our unit, mostly because his parents thought it would be good for him and not because he wanted to be there," Righthouse said. "This teen told us, 'I don't think this is really for me.' "I worked with his father and told the dad that if he wanted to keep his son off the couch, keep bringing him to Young Marines, which he did. "As time went on, we noticed that this Young Marine had a real knack for working with the younger Young Marines and the recruits. He was so patient and caring. It was as if a light switch went on. For the first time, he had responsibilities and managed something on his own, and we showed that we trusted him. This built his confidence, and he became on fire." Susan M. Righthouse is the picture of devoted volunteerism. Her influence will be felt for years to come for untold numbers of young people. "I enjoy being around the Young Marines," she said. "I like watching them grow through the years. Their 'A-HA' moments are particularly gratifying." For more information about the Miramar Young Marines, call Susan Righthouse at 858-538-7443 or email: [email protected].