Charles John Kilbride

Charles John Kilbride enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and retired with the rank of Major.

As both an enlisted Marine and Marine officer, Mr. Kilbride served at bases throughout our Nation, including Quantico, Virginia; Jacksonville, North Carolina; Twentynine Palms, California; Albany, Georgia; and in the great Empire State on Long Island. It was in and around his hometown that his leadership and dedication as a Marine recruiter inspired hundreds of New Yorkers to answer the call of duty. He was the Marine of the Quarter many times over, enlisting numerous honor man graduates from Parris Island.

For his time and service to this Nation, Mr. Kilbride received multiple medals and commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter Rifle.

Mr. Kilbride’s inspirational impact did not end with his Marine service or his family. Over the last 30 years, he has been leading the generous Long Island force of the annual USMC Toys for Tots campaign. Every holiday season, Mr. Kilbride orchestrates and facilitates the Marines and volunteers to collect and distribute new and unwrapped toys to at-risk children in the community. He and his team are proud to have participated in the distribution of hundreds of thousands of toys throughout the years. Their reach has extended to children with autism and cerebral palsy, providing them with enabling toys. Mr. Kilbride has orchestrated the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program alongside the Nassau and Suffolk Police and PBA, the Detective Association, the Superior Officer’s Association, the Court Officers Association, the U.S. Post Office, and local fire departments and businesses, as well as 7-11, to bring a message of hope and happiness to countless children, making their Christmas dreams a reality.

Just as Mr. Kilbride’s father and grandfather inspired him to serve, he has paid that forward in spades and continues to be a beacon of strength, resilience, and goodness for all New Yorkers throughout the New York Metro and Long Island communities. Mr. Kilbride definitely lives his motto of “Service to one another makes for strong families and a strong Nation.”