When it comes to having compassion for others, Patty Kalaye not only talks the talk...she walks the walk. If there's a family in need of help or something that needs immediate attention, Patty is often the first one to step in and volunteer to help. Her positive energy and can do attitude is a real gift. But that's not all - her training and background is a huge asset to our growing ministry. As a Marine Corps School Liaison at MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot), Patty works very closely with military families - something she enjoys immensely because it allows her to empower parents with information so they can be their child's best advocate. "I love meeting our wonderful military families and also going out into the schools and communities," Patty says.
Patty's desire to help military families started at a young age. She was raised in a military family so she has a true appreciation for the men and women who serve our country. "I have a few uncles who served in the military but in my immediate family, my brother served in the US Air Force and retired in 2004 and my brother-in-law served in the US Army and just retired a little over a month ago," Patty says. Although she's never served as an active duty member, she has worked for the military since 2001 as a civilian. "For over seven years, I worked as a facilitator of curriculum for the US Navy and got to deploy with Navy Ships on WESTPAC, RIMPAC and the maiden voyage of the USS Ronald Reagan," she added. She has been in her current job at MCRD as school liaison for the past 4½ years.
So what does she enjoy the most about the Rock? "I love the people at the Rock. No matter which ministry I get involved in, I have made some wonderful friends over the years." In addition to serving on the Military leadership team, Patty has served in Sisters and the Prison Ministry. She even served in the Hospitality Ministry when the Rock was at SDSU.
When she's not helping military families, you can usually find Patty with Jeremiah. That's her adorable son who just turned 16-months-old on Christmas eve. For those of us who have seen Patty with Jeremiah, it's pretty obvious she is one caring Mom. For Patty, Jeremiah is a true gift from God. "I feel blessed that God allowed me to be a Mom. It didn't happen until I was 38-years-old and medical experts weren't sure I could even have children. We chose the name Jeremiah for my favorite book in the Bible and of course Jeremiah 29:11. His middle name is Micah which means humble or who is like God," Patty says.
The Military Ministry is blessed to have Patty on our leadership team. Thanks for all that you do!
