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"Lincoln is very proud of the volunteer spirit that thrives among our employees. The true face of Lincoln is that volunteer with the smile and warm handshake that beckons our residents to come with us on their next step of life's journey. Volunteerism is the heartbeat of Lincoln Military Housing." -Sam Merrick, Vice President of Military Affairs
At Lincoln Military Housing, we know that making military housing feel like home is incredibly important. It is our mission to bring comfortable and enjoyable living situations for military service members and their families through premier housing and building an incredible community. It’s no secret we couldn’t do that without the help of our wonderful employees and our Community Services Department.
Lincoln Military Housing Southwest Navy Vendor & Volunteer Luncheon
Every year, our Lincoln Military Housing employees and team members host a number of off-site events to support our residents. From beach clean-ups to family nights out, there is no shortage of ongoing events that make the Lincoln Military experience a memorable one.
As a thank-you to those who go above and beyond in improving the quality of life for those living in our communities, we wanted to highlight the teams and employees who dedicate hours to ensure your military housing feels like home!
2018 Community Service Highlights
Southwest Navy
The Lincoln Military Housing Southwest Navy team had 97 employees volunteer 714.24 hours of their personal time at regional events around San Diego to support our military families in 2018. In addition, all employees worked 285 events that happen onsite. This year, they honored their top 15 volunteers at their Vendor & Volunteer Luncheon!
This team consistently shows the importance of community service and what an impact it can make on people’s lives. There is no shortage of dedication and motivation from the Southwest Navy team, and we are constantly inspired by their efforts to get involved in the community while always giving back to our military families.
Mid-Atlantic Region
The Lincoln Military Housing Mid-Atlantic region hosted 388 on-site events in 2018 with a total of 44,638 residents attending. Through these efforts the community has gotten to know each other on a closer level while being able to give back to the community. Last year, over 50 computers and electronics were donated to Tech for Troops through community events.
Community Services has also organized a number of volunteer opportunities to get residents involved. In December, residents got together to create holiday care packages, resulting in over 100 boxes being donated to the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters.
Meet Our Volunteers
John Darryl Balbin
Number of years with Lincoln: 1.5 years
Personal military connections: I have a retired uncle named Timothy who served in the United States Navy for over 20 years. He is the reason that I am here today and without him I would still be in the Province of the Philippines planting rice on the field as a farmer. I also have a Cousin Federico who recently retired from the Navy. Without my uncle Timothy he would also be still in the Philippines.
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: I enjoy volunteering for Lincoln events because our Lincoln [Event Team] chooses some of the most beautiful places in San Diego. Like the Beach cleanup near Mission Beach that I enjoyed so much. I still remember the faces of the Military families when I handed them an easy reach and a bucket. Families were bonding, enjoying the breeze and nice beautiful San Diego weather, and having fun walking around the beach. I also love how we provide a great lunch for all the families and the staff. It is so rewarding to volunteer when it comes to someone's happiness and for the community.
Michael Beardslee
Position at Lincoln: District Manager
Number of years with Lincoln: 13 years
Personal military connections: My father is a Navy veteran, and served during the Vietnam War.
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: Having worked for Lincoln Military Housing for so many years, I have had the opportunity to participate in many Regional events during that time which I'm very thankful for. I feel that this year was my calling to really give back to our Military Families, and to show my appreciation and gratitude for all those that serve, and to extend my support to the military families that sacrifice so much as well.
Where you volunteer outside of Lincoln: At the moment I don't volunteer outside of Lincoln; however my personal goal for 2019 is to give back to my community in any way I can as a way of showing appreciation to this great city we live in.
Genalynn Belmudez
Position at Lincoln: District Manager Bayview Hills
Number of years with Lincoln: 4 years
Personal military connections: I am a Navy Spouse. Both of my grandfathers serviced in the US Navy and my mom was a Navy Reservist.
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: I enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events because it gives me an opportunity to see residents outside of the property, having a good time connecting with other military families. I understand that these families sacrifice a lot and it feels good to see that we can put a smile on their faces.
Where you volunteer outside of Lincoln: Occasionally I volunteer with the ASYMCA for food distribution and every year around the holidays. I volunteer at a homeless shelter serving food.
Alicia Bighames
Position at Lincoln: District Manager
Number of years with Lincoln: 15 years
Personal military connections: Sister Air Force Veteran Served 13 years
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: It’s a feel good moment to serve. I especially love the USO event. I like seeing the smiles and being up close and personal with the families.
Where you volunteer outside of Lincoln: Naranon support groups
Frank Brehm
Position at Lincoln: Maintenance Supervisor, Flag Management District
Number of years with Lincoln: 8.5 years
Personal military connections: Navy veteran, electrician, 6 years (4 active and 2 reserve)
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: Volunteering is just FUN! At first I was hesitant about volunteering, but pretty soon I began to look forward to it. People that haven’t volunteered do not realize what they are missing out on. The Community Service [team] do all the hard work and planning, all you have to do show up and have a great time with people that really appreciate it, and they really DO appreciate it. Padre’s baseball, Aztec football, camping out, trolley tour, seal tour, San Diego symphony, and more. Things people usually pay to do, you get paid to do! (In Lincoln bucks :) ). The happiness you see in the families, especially the kids, is very rewarding.
Where you volunteer outside of Lincoln: [I] just assist people when I can.
Martha Casillas
Position at Lincoln: CSR
Number of years with Lincoln: 1.5 years
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: It is my [nature], helping others is in my heart.
Where you volunteer outside of Lincoln: Everywhere, anywhere, all the time. Animal shelters, Episcopal Community Services, Chula Vista Community Charter School, Warrior Foundation, etc.
Tes Jackson
Position at Lincoln: Service Coordinator at The Pomerado Terrace
Number of years with Lincoln: 11 years
Personal military connections: My dad is retired Navy Postal Clerk, I was a former Army spouse, my son Cameron is an Army veteran, and my daughter Kristel is active duty Navy IT.
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: I enjoy volunteering at the events because I enjoy seeing our residents look forward to coming to our events, an opportunity for them to enjoy an outing together as a family. Being a veteran spouse and parent of the armed forces, we treasure the times we get to spend together as a family, because you never know when the service members have to be called out for unscheduled deployments, and when they will be coming back home.
Brenda Lopez
Position at Lincoln: Service Coordinator & Mentor in Service Coordinator Department
Number of years with Lincoln: 12 years
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: It's a great way to push the reset button to remind us [that] what we do for our military families actually means something. Sometimes after working for a company too long things become repetitive, but by being able to attend this volunteer event it helps me see there [is] more to it, kind of like a little shot of energy drink.
Johnny Martinez
Position at Lincoln: District Manager
Number of years with Lincoln: 13 years
Personal military connections: I have several family members that have served and currently serve.
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: I enjoy seeing the families bond and fellowship with other families in the community. Our military families make so many sacrifices for our country; it is an honor and privilege to be able to volunteer and give something back to them.
Where you volunteer outside of Lincoln: I volunteer at church in the music department with audio and video and playing the drums.
La Brandie Megginson
Position at Lincoln: Assistant District Manager I
Number of years with Lincoln: 6.5 years
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: I enjoy volunteering for Lincoln Events because it brings me great joy to see the happy faces of our residents and their families. When I volunteer for events I know that it brings a peace of mind to our families knowing that they can come to events worry–free that are targeted for their needs as well as allowing them to explore new ventures. I am proud to work for a company that shows appreciation for our residents in many different ways.
Jorge Parada
Position at Lincoln: Maintenance Technician for Bayview Heights
Number of years with Lincoln: 15 years
Personal military connections: Retired Army, 20 years.
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: I like giving back to the community. I appreciate seeing the joy of our residents. It's a good feeling.
Where you volunteer outside of Lincoln: San Diego Beekeeping Society Board Member, Emerald Hills Neighborhood Council (cleanups and picnics), Lincoln Charities Ambassador. San Diego Seaside Scrollers (Scroll Saw Club) events at the San Diego County Fair cutting wood in the Design In Wood Building. We make cut outs and keepsake toys for donation throughout the year. Each year we also participate in Allied Gardens Rec Center Easter event.
Heidi Smith
Position at Lincoln: District Manager
Number of years with Lincoln: 5 years
Personal military connections: Spouse - Navy 18 years. Dad - Navy 20 years. Uncle - Army 20 years. Grandpa - Navy 30 years. Brother-in-law - Airforce 4 years.
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: Helping bring joy and a sense of community to those who serve our country.
Where you volunteer outside of Lincoln: American Cancer Society
Cilene Terrell
Position at Lincoln: Leasing Coordinator / CTA
Number of years with Lincoln: 13 years
Personal military connections: Both biological and stepfather are retired military.
Why you enjoy volunteering at Lincoln events: It allows the residents to get to know us outside of the office, and see that we all have the same goal, which is to enjoy life at whatever stage of life we're in.
Where you volunteer outside of Lincoln: I volunteer at my church.
Resident Statements
We know something is going right when we hear back from our lovely residents! Read some of our resident responses below to see just why love doing what we do, and why we will never fall short of providing the absolute best military housing experience possible through community service efforts!
“Seriously! LMH! Y’all are amazing! In honor of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, they gave out a gift to each of the houses on post. Thank you!! If y’all keep this up, I’m never gonna leave!” -Mechanicsburg Resident
“Another great event put on by Lincoln Military Housing! #KidsCrew you all put on some amazing events! Home Run Heroes, Spy Academy, and The Enchanted World of Lincoln were three fantastic Kids Crew 2018 events!” -Duran S.
"I really appreciate all that you and your team does. You always hold wonderful events and do an outstanding job. I am so very thankful to be a resident of such a wonderful institution that takes really good care of the residents." -D. Sword
"Thank you for allowing me to attend this lottery event. I thoroughly enjoyed myself just to get away from the hubby and kids for a few hours. Holidivas Cabaret was awesome! The perfect ending to the night. Loved every minute of the evening." -R. O'Berry
Lincoln Military Community Services
At Lincoln Military Housing, we know the importance of community service and are a company made of many dedicated and motivated people that personally and individually work to make our residents' lives better. Our communities would not be as tight-knit and involved if not for the wonderful Community Services Department and Event Coordinators who make it all happen.
If you are new to the military housing community and want to get to know your neighbors better or are simply wanting something fun to do with your friends and family, be sure to visit LincolnMilitaryResident.com to find upcoming events in your area!
