Celebrating the Retirement of Charlotte Gonzalez
“Always do what is right and you will never go wrong.” – Charlotte Gonzalez
After more than a decade of dedicated service, Charlotte Gonzalez is retiring from Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) South Carolina. Since joining in September 2014, Charlotte has become a cornerstone of the organization—her presence, leadership, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on the Marines, Sailors, and families she has so passionately served.
Charlotte was born in Arizona but grew up in Arkansas. Her lifelong connection to the military began when she served in the U.S. Navy for two and a half years. That dedication continued through her 18.5 years as a proud Marine Corps spouse, supporting her husband and family through the demands of military life. She brought that same spirit of service to her professional career, spending 19 years as a contract administrator for a research and development company before making the pivotal decision to remain in Beaufort—a community she deeply loves—when the company relocated to Florida.
For over 30 years, Charlotte has called Beaufort home. Her love for the area is rooted in its close-knit community and vibrant spirit, and she’s given back at every opportunity. What she is most proud of in her time at MCCS is knowing that her work supported service members and their families—often behind the scenes—to help reduce stress and allow them to focus on their missions.
Among her many accomplishments, Charlotte’s proudest is Operation Santa. What began with 30 children—thanks to the Colleton River Foundation—has now grown into a program that touches the lives of over 300 military children each year. With support from organizations like the Drill Instructors Association, Sun City Vets of Hilton Head, Sun City’s Stratford Village, Neighborhood Dataw Island Residents, and NASCAR’s Rick Ware Racing, the initiative has blossomed into a beacon of joy during the holiday season for military families.
Her impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2019, Charlotte was recognized as the MCICOM NF-5 Senior Civilian Employee of the Year and was honored as Woman of the Year by the Beaufort and Jasper United Way of the Lowcountry. MCCS South Carolina Director Jack Snider said it best: “We are a better organization because of Charlotte Gonzalez.” He credits her with elevating the MCCS Operations Office billet by expanding its role and impact, making it an integral part of both Command Staffs. She also expanded sponsorship efforts and personally led events that improved the quality of life for countless families—like Operation Santa.
Charlotte’s guiding principle throughout her career has been simple and powerful: “Always do what is right and you will never go wrong.” It’s a value she credits to her mother and her supervisor in the late 1980s, Sandy Stabb, the lead bookkeeper at Winn-Dixie, who led by example with patience, knowledge, and integrity. Charlotte has lived by that example ever since.
Her strength? According to Jack Snider: “Total commitment to the MCCS mission—24/7, 365.”
Charlotte hopes that those who follow in her footsteps remember why they are here—to serve Marines, Sailors, and their families—and to always use every available resource to do the right thing, even amid constraints.
As she enters retirement, Charlotte looks forward to more time with her family—her “trifecta” of three children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She plans to attend their sporting events, take them on breakfast runs before school, and continue her passion for service through involvement with Rotary, Beaufort Charities, and Habitat for Humanity. And on her first Monday of retirement? “I won’t turn off the alarm—because I won’t need to set one anymore.”
Charlotte told me what she will miss most about MCCS is the sense of purpose—the feeling of truly making a difference. And in speaking with those who know her, one thing became clear: Charlotte’s mark will remain here for years to come. For many, hers was one of the first names they learned upon joining MCCS. She was the go-to person—the one who always had the answer. And if she didn’t, she would find it. One colleague even said, “When I grow up, I want to be Charlotte.”
Charlotte, you have made a difference. And we will carry your spirit forward every day by doing what is right—for the Marines, the Sailors, and the families who count on us.
Enjoy your well-earned retirement—you will be missed but never forgotten.