Nearly a dozen active-duty and civilian personnel with Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany and Marine Corps Logistics Command joined other distinguished male community leaders for the sixth annual Ties that Bind event at the James H. Gray, Sr. Civic Center, June 13. 

The featured keynote speaker was Werhner Washington, plant manager, Procter & Gamble, who encouraged the young men to focus on three keys to success in life.

“Show up and be present in class daily, respect and listen to your teachers and authority and make sure you do your school work,” he said.  “What has gotten me through life and in my career are those three keys.  In 34 years of working for Procter and Gamble, I’ve only missed 15 days due to the flu and surgery.”

Staff Sgt. Richard Bailey volunteered as a mentor again this year and said Ties that Bind is a great way
for positive and successful men in the community, including military and federal workers to get to interact with the youth of the community.

“Even though it was just a short luncheon, it was a great time to share stories and introduce these young men to a variety and diverse group of men,” he said.  “Personally for me, it is humbling and I get to share some wisdom with a few young men, especially the final part of the meeting when we show them how to tie a necktie, which is very symbolic and memorable."

Darrel Sabbs, program coordinator, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, said he greatly appreciates the Marine Base personnel and other prominent men in the community for supporting this event each year.

“Their presence makes a huge difference in the lives of young boys, most of whom come from single-parent households headed by females,” he said.

Master Sgt. Dwayne Williams, operations staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Marine Depot Maintenance Command, wore a ‘hot mic’ during the entire event and said participating was a great opportunity to interact with local youth who may not have that positive influence at home.

“Every chance I get, I try to interact with them and give them the right tools in case they don’t know what right looks like,” he said.  “Sometimes we have to model that for them. I learned something from my mentee as well – no matter where you’re from or where you’re at, there’s always someone looking for better.  They just need the opportunity.”