By DOUGLAS GRAVES

Special to The Press

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Roslyn Schroeder of Coopersburg looks like she could be a GI Joe action hero.

When the time came to help brother and sister Marines get COVID-19 vaccinations, she hit the deck running.

When Schroeder realized how hard it was, even though she is computer literate, to get scheduled for a COVID-19 vaccination, she immediately understood it would be nearly impossible for some of the members of her local Marine Corps League Detachment to get a vaccination without a lot of help.

On her own initiative, Schroeder got on her computer and phone and started looking for COVID-19 vaccine appointment availability from the few vendors who were stocking the vaccines and had openings on their calendars.

On July 14, Schroeder was awarded the Marine Corps League Distinguished Service Award for her exemplary service in getting local members of the Bethlehem Detachment No. 284 of the Marine Corps League scheduled for COVID-19 vaccinations.

The award was presented at a ceremony at the Jones-Quigg Post 739 of the American Legion in Hokendaqua by this reporter, the commandant of the Bethlehem Detachment No. 284 of the Marine Corps League.

The award citation is accompanied by a medal Schroeder is authorized to wear on her Marine Corps League uniform.

“When COVID hit, my immediate concern was to be able to get the vaccine in a timely manner,” Schroeder said, in a recent interview.

“It was difficult to find a vaccine appointment in February 2020.

“I realized some older people were not as computer savvy, so I continued to help anyone I knew was looking for one.

“Several Marines in our Marine Corps League were able to get their shots quickly by my calling them and letting them know what sites were offering them at that moment.”

Schroeder knew others who were trying to help.

“I also knew a few other people who were also searching to help others find appointments, and we would call each other when we saw new appointments online.

“Through our COVID phone chain we were able to help friends, family, veterans, and others secure a vaccine appointment.

“This is what makes organizations like the Marine Corps League so great.

“We’re all in this as one so we band together to help each other in our times of need.”