Thai, US military restore services

Photo By Cpl. Matheus Hernandez | U.S. service members assisting the local community remove fallen debris at the Sanamchai School in Lop Buri, Thailand, Nov. 20. U.S. service members together with the Royal Thai Army assisted Thai citizens with cleaning a school here Nov. 20 in the aftermath of serious flooding that has affected much of the country. U.S. forces continue to support the Royal Government of Thailand in its flood relief efforts.  

LOP BURI, THAILAND

12.01.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Matheus Hernandez 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

LOP BURI, Thailand - U.S. service members together with the Royal Thai Army assisted Thai citizens with cleaning a school here Nov. 20 in the aftermath of serious flooding that has affected much of the country.

In coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok and the Royal Government of Thailand, U.S. Pacific Command directed theater service components to conduct joint operations in support of disaster assessment and relief operations in Thailand. Joint U.S. forces are continuing to support Thailand in its flood relief efforts.

More than 35 U.S. service members assisted members of the Royal Thai Army in cleaning the Sanamchai School of debris left from flood water inside the school’s facilities. The work included wiping down furniture and scrubbing stains off walls caused by flood water.

“You can actually see on the walls where the water levels stopped and stayed for a while,” said Staff Sgt. Patrick Love, radio chief with III Marine Expeditionary Force Flood Relief Command Element. “We moved a tree that had been knocked over from the flood, chopped the limbs down, and moved everything over to one area so they could easily access it to dispose of it later on.”

The Thai citizens have been very appreciative, according to Navy Lt. Nicholas Fleming, an operations officer with the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen.

“The fact that we were able to move all the debris out of their facilities and get it all cleaned up made them all very happy,” said Fleming. “The governor even stopped by, came in to see what we were doing, and was very happy to see us.”

Not only did the local community enjoy seeing U.S. service members, but even members of the Royal Thai Armed Forces were thankful for assistance.

“I really appreciate all the service members being here, especially in this area that has a school for children,” said Special Col. Wittaya Wachirakul, J-3 Directorate, Royal Thai Armed Forces. “One thing I believe is when the Thai people come into trouble, the first country they think of is the U.S. and then you can see on their faces, not only the children but on the men and women around here, they feel happy the U.S. is helping, comfortable and safe because the U.S. came.”

• Date Taken: 12.01.2011
• Date Posted: 12.01.2011 04:55
• Story ID: 80750
• Location: LOP BURI, TH