CLC-21 Marine, family recognized for community service
The Havelock Military Affairs Committee honored Gunnery Sgt. Otis James II and his family as the Family of the Quarter during a ceremonial dinner held at El Cerro Mexican Bar and Grill in Havelock, N.C., July 22. 2014.
James currently serves as the company gunnery sergeant and operations chief with Combat Logistics Company 21 at Cherry Point. His wife, Lytasha A. James, is a full-time student and stay-at-home mother to their four children. As a family, the Jameses have dedicated their time to several organizations in the Havelock area and surrounding communities.
Since his arrival to Cherry Point in 2011, James has served as a role model and mentor to the Marines in his charge and the community members around him, according to Capt. Lou J. Ochs, commanding officer of CLC-21.
“For the past three years his assignment here has involved him leading more than 125 Marines,” said Ochs. “He has done an incredible job leading and setting the example for them as well as serving as a role model and mentor to those in the community.”
James served as the first vice president of the Havelock T-ball league. During his time as vice president, he volunteered more than 100 hours organizing and running the league, said Ochs. In addition, he served as a team manager and devoted his time to practices, games and team events totaling, more than eight hours a week for four months.
James and his wife share a similar passion for serving in the local community. The couple volunteered numerous hours to manning the Havelock T-ball concession stands. Lytasha donated more than 30 hours serving as the team mom for the Grampy’s Little Giant T-Ball team. She started her own Girl Scouts of America troop, where she served as troop leader, and she volunteered with Arthur Edwards Elementary School for a combined total of more than 150 hours.
James continues to balance his on and off duty service. Aside from his community service, James is pursuing a Doctorate of Education.
The James family understands the importance of giving back to the local community and is honored for the recognition, according to James.
“I never volunteered with the intention of gaining recognition,” said James. “Being in the military, the community plays a big part in our morale, and knowing our families have a good community backing them gives a piece of mind to service members.”
Story by Lance Cpl. Grace L. Waladkewics reporting from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.
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Header image: Gunnery Sergeant Otis James and his family stand with Havelock Military Affairs Committee representatives after being recognized as the Family of the Quarter at a ceremonial dinner at El Cerro Mexican Bar and Grill in Havelock, N.C., July 22, 2014. James (top right) and his wife, Lytasha (far left), dedicate themselves to volunteering with the Girl Scouts of America, Havelock t-ball and local schools. James is currently serving as the company gunnery sergeant and operations chief with Combat Logistics Company 21 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, while Lytasha works as a stay-at-home mother and full-time college student.
