MANAMA, Bahrain - Members assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group Two, deployed to Naval Support Activity Bahrain, have delivered more than $1,000 in children's books, small toys and craft supplies to children at the Regional Institute for Active Learning School in Adliya, Bahrain.
The service members, based out of Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Norfolk, Va., in the U.S., have been delivering the supplies to the school since June 2009.
The donation of toys and supplies, coordinated by Glenn and Ann Marie Smith of Orrstown, Pa., came from adults and children across the United States. Christine Gordon, the school's coordinator, said the gifts are greatly appreciated.
"It's always fun to receive packages from abroad," said Gordon. "The nicest thing for me personally is the fact that someone far away, who doesn't know anything about me, has taken the time to make such a wonderful gesture. That means a lot. Not to mention the fact that all the kids and their teachers are going to get hours upon hours of enjoyment from those packages. It might have been a small gesture on their part, but it's as big as Mount Everest to me."
ESG Two's commander, Rear Adm. Michelle Howard, recently accepted a plaque for the unit's community relations effort from Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
"Its part of our Navy traditions to give back to the communities we work in," Howard said. "Successful international partnerships start with the local communities. The people of Bahrain have been wonderful hosts and being able to give their children supplies and toys they need is one small way for us to say thank you for all they've done for us."
The importance of strong community relations isn't lost on Senior Chief Yeoman Scott Vermeulen who serves as ESG Two's community relations coordinator.
"Community relations are a critical part of the Navy mission no matter where we are," he said. "Not only is it personally rewarding, but it's also the right thing to do for some of the less fortunate in the local community."
| Date Taken: |
10.01.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
10.01.2009 06:31 |
| Story ID: |
39528 |
| Location: |
MANAMA, BH |
| Web Views: |
348 |
| Downloads: |
309 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, Expeditionary Strike Group Two Donates Supplies to Bahrain School, by LT John Fage, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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