Mom of Mission Viejo's adopted Marines feted for her selfless dedication

For the past several years, Gayle Wood has poured her heart and soul into supporting the men and women who bravely serve our country. On Thursday, she was recognized for that selfless dedication with a Volunteer Merit Award from the California Parks and Recreation Society.

Gayle is the chairperson of Mission Viejo's Marine and Sailor Adoption Committee, which for more than a decade has supported the City's adopted Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Marine Division.

Through her efforts, the community has been proud to bring a bit of home to the desert by sending weekly care packages to deployed troops. The committee treats families to a "Day at Lake Mission Viejo" and collects donations of formalwear so Marines can attend the annual Marine Corps Ball.  In times of crisis, the committee supports battalion members with monetary donations and ensures their children have toys under the tree on Christmas.  Expectant moms and families with newborns receive donated baskets filled with essential baby supplies. The list goes on "¦

At Camp Pendleton, Gayle is fondly known as the battalion's "mom" and goes out of her way to make sure the Marines feel supported and loved no matter what that commitment entails.

"Gayle asks for nothing in return and epitomizes what volunteerism is all about," said Mark Nix, Director of Recreation and Community Services. "Gayle is a role model and her enthusiasm is contagious.  Mission Viejo and our Marines are better because of her."