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Want to get a job done well and say thanks to a hero? Hire a Marine

North County Times
March 2005
By: BRADLEY J. FIKES

That's the idea behind a new Web site (www.hiremarines.com) dedicated to link up those offering odd jobs around the home or office and Marines or their spouses who can use the extra cash. The free site was established about five weeks ago by Oceanside residents Mark and Tori Baird.

The Bairds, owners of Future Tech Carpet Cleaning, said they got the idea by hearing of Marine families in the community who were struggling with bills. Some asked for work with the carpet cleaning company, but there wasn't enough to go around.

By offering jobs such as painting, yard work and other one-day or part-time employment, Mark Baird said North County residents can assist the Marines in a way that keeps their dignity intact. For example, Baird said he had hired a Marine for $100 to do a quick in-house painting job Monday evening.

"We just want to say thanks in some way, and I think that the rest of North County feels the same way," he said. "I do appreciate their sacrifice and patriotism. Whether you approve of the war or not, and sometimes I vacillate, it has nothing to do with these fine men and women ... And they are so polite. It's strange to be treated with such respect nowadays."

The need can be serious as delinquent utility bills or the threat of an auto repossession, Baird said, or it may simply be a lack of entertainment money, for themselves or for dates.

"Often you'll see them walking around the Regal Cinema (in downtown Oceanside). They don't have any money, so that's all they can do."
"This is also a great opportunity for residents to form relationships with Marines, maybe later to invite them over for Thanksgiving. It gives us a vehicle to invite them over to our house. My wife had a Marine wash our car, and we had a piece of pie and tall glass of milk waiting when he was done."

Jobs advertised on the site as of Monday afternoon include cleaning construction trailers for about $10 an hour for six hours, and installing windows, also for $10 a hour. Baird said he's looking to get more jobs listed to make sure there's enough work to go around.

Baird said the site is being upgraded now so it will also accept full-time job offers, although the main emphasis will remain on part-time work to help a Marine family pick up some extra money. Ultimately, he said he's planning to expand it to offer jobs in communities around all Marine bases throughout the country.
There's been interest in the site among Marines who've stopped by the 1st Marine Division Association's Oceanside branch, said Christopher Wright, associate director.

"They struck me as being sincere, honest people," Wright said of the Bairds. "I've encouraged some Marines who are looking for extra work to check it out."
Wright said he doesn't know how effective HireMarines has been, but that the bumper stickers and other informational material about HireMarines which Baird dropped off are now all gone.
Those interested in offering jobs can visit the Web site, send an e-mail to hiremarines@cox.net or call (760) 231-5089.

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