CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The Armed Forces Recreation Society presented its "Frontline Award" to a former Marine during a ceremony here Nov. 14.
Major Gen. David M. Mize, commanding general, Marine Corps Base, presented the award to Charles W. Miller, the Base Theater's acting manager. Miller, who is a retired master sergeant, received the award for continuous contributions to Marine Corps Community Services.
The society awards less than 10 outstanding citizens annually who work with military members to further their experience of community services. Marine Corps Community Services named Miller as its nominee and sent his application to AFRS.
Miller's willingness to help and take on new duties is one of the main reasons he won the award, said Donna A. Seabrease, recreation centers program manager here.
"Whenever anyone had a problem, you knew you could call Charlie and he would be there to help in five minutes. He's just that type of person," Seabrease said.
Armed Forces Recreation Society first recognized Miller and his wife, Debra, in Tampa, Fla., last month during the National Recreation and Parks Association's annual conference - AFRS is a branch under the association.
"My supervisor, Patricia Schneider, the recreation director for the Lejeune branch of MCCS and the former theater director, Jodee Osbourne, put together my application without my knowledge. One day they told me I had a letter to pick up, and the letter said I'd won the award," said Miller.
Armed Forces Recreation Society gave similar awards to its outstanding employees from Okinawa and its West Coast military installations. Miller said he was surprised he was the only recipient from below the Mason-Dixon line.
"I never expected an award for doing my job, but I am grateful they are recognizing people who work hard to make MCCS better," Miller said.
The Cameron, W.Va., native said he enjoys working with Marines to help them enjoy their liberty. He said he can relate to the Marines he provides his services to and hopefully give them the type of entertainment they can enjoy.
Like most theater managers, Miller was quick to plug his expertise. He said the staff here takes prides in showing all types of movies. He said action movies are popular with the barracks Marines and sailors, but he and the staff also make sure children are entertained with quality films during the theater's matinees.
He also pointed out that the theater doesn't just play movies. The facility also hosts unit functions, plays and even conventions. He said the facility is ideal for unit activities because of its more than 1,400 seats.