NEW ORLEANS - -- The New Orleans city council recognized Marine Forces Reserve (MarForRes) and its local service members in a joint service ceremony in the council chambers here Nov. 16.
The ceremony highlighted the council’s proclamation making Nov. 16 Military Day in the city.
Representing MarForRes was Col. Jim Kinnerup, MarForRes chief of staff, the MarForRes band and Marines from various MarForRes departments.
The ceremony included awards from the mayor’s military advisory committee for outstanding community service to a member of each branch of the armed forces.
Receiving the Exceptional Military Service Award for MarForRes was Petty Officer 2nd Class Jennifer Woldeselasie, force reserve religious program specialist.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Woledeselasie organized coat and food drives for evacuees in Kansas City while continuing to do her normal job.
When MarForRes returned to New Orleans, she volunteered her time away from her office to help gut homes, build fences and paint the Louisiana Children’s Museum for its re-opening.
“I didn’t volunteer to get an award,” said Woldeselasie. “I know a lot of the people here, and to me, it was just taking care of family; the same way anyone takes care of their own.”
Kinnerup was happy to see the award earned by a command member.
“We encourage Marines and sailors to become part of the community,” said Kinnerup. “It is absolutely great that she (Woldeselasie) took her own time to volunteer. Whether we are permanent or temporary citizens, we have to recognize our responsibility to make the city better in anyway we can.”