Myra Herring: Job Well Done

For 30 years, Myra Herring has been a familiar face and a warm presence within MCCS, dedicated to serving Marines, Sailors, and their families. A military spouse who knows the Marine Corps way of life well, it’s ironic that her own journey with MCCS began just as her husband’s 20-year military career was coming to a close. While he retired at the end of 1994, Myra stepped into a new chapter, joining what was then MWR on February 16, 1995.

Her career began at the Youth Center—what we now call School Age Care—where she worked at both Parris Island and Laurel Bay. She recalls those early years fondly, describing makeshift facilities like trailers on Parris Island and Quonset huts at Laurel Bay. “Nothing like what you see today,” she laughs.

Though she never planned to stay for three decades, Myra found herself returning year after year, drawn by the sense of purpose and the difference she could make in children’s lives. She became more than just an employee; she was a mentor, a guide, and often, a listening ear for parents navigating the challenges of military life. She tells stories of single parents, like the Marine who lost her mother and was struggling to balance duty and raising a child. Myra was there to support her, just as she was there for countless other families who needed reassurance that they weren’t alone.

One of her proudest moments at the Youth Center was earning her CDL so she could personally drive the children to explore the base. She recalls arranging a special trip to the mess hall, where the kids got to see where their parents ate—something so simple, yet so meaningful to them. “They’d say, ‘My mom or dad is a Drill Instructor,’ but they had no idea what that really meant,” she shares with a smile.

After 20 years at the Youth Center, Myra was ready for a change. Though she had never envisioned herself working in a library, she took a leap of faith and transferred there, craving something new. “I felt like a fish out of water,” she admits, “but I knew one thing—I’m a people person.” She learned the ropes quickly and soon found joy in helping patrons find books, order materials, and discover that the library is more than just shelves of reading material. MCCS libraries offer programs, copy and fax services, computer access, and so much more.

Her journey through MCCS was never just a job, it was about connection. “Know what you want and go for it,” she advises new employees, a testament to the courage that has defined her own career. Myra’s infectious personality has left a lasting impact, even in unexpected ways. In fact, she was the first person I ever spoke to at MCCS. In 1999, my husband was working here, and I had the wrong phone number. I accidentally dialed Myra, asking for Jeff. Instead of it being a simple wrong number, we struck up a conversation and connected. She was warm, kind, and funny, and that first conversation led to a few more before I finally got the right number. We still laugh about it to this day.

Now, as she prepares to retire, Myra says she is ready to find her golden years—years that will be filled with travel, time with family, and cherishing the life she has built. She and her husband, who was stationed in Beaufort twice, raised three incredible children who have grown into successful adults, blessing her with three grandchildren.

When asked to sum up her time at MCCS in a book title, Myra thought for a moment before saying, Myra Herring: Job Well Done. And what does she hope her legacy will be? “A hard worker, a hugger, and someone who was always willing to help.”

Myra, on behalf of all of us—job well done. Your golden years are yours for the taking.