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During her 30 years as a San Diego police detective, Susan Righthouse kept an eye out for kids in trouble. On patrol assignments she listened for radio calls coming in about kids who might be in harm’s way, especially through domestic violence calls. Helping kids in trouble became her mission. But more recently, Righthouse set her mind on helping kids before they get in trouble.
She joined the local Miramar unit of the Young Marines as a volunteer eight years ago and has been helping steer youths to healthy, productive lives, without drugs.
More than 6,000 volunteer hours later, Righthouse was named National Adult Volunteer of the Year for the Young Marines group, headquartered in Dumfries, Va.
Rancho Penasquitos teen Sophia Righthouse joined the local Young Marines service program as one of the youngest recruits when she was 8 years old with an eye on becoming a military officer one day.
Not too surprising since Sophia’s family has served in various branches of the military the Marines, Air Force and Army going back to the American Revolution. But what really got her inspired was her grandfather’s stories of his missions as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, stories of bravery and perseverance.
“He truly inspired me to give back to my country,” Sophia, 17, said.
Since joining the Miramar unit of the national Young Marines program nine years ago, Sophia has distinguished herself in her quest to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps.