Photo By Sgt. Erica Kirsop | More than 300 Monterey pine trees were collected for the annual Trees for Troops event...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. - The scent of pine needles wafted over Mills Park aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., where volunteers brought nearly 350 Monterey pine trees from Peltzer Pines Christmas Tree Farm in preparation of the upcoming holiday season.
The annual Trees for Troops event was in full swing as 14 volunteers traveled to Irvine, Calif., to cut and load hundreds of pine trees for service members and their families.
“This is the fourth year we have done this event,” said Gunnery Sgt. Joshua G. Soliz, the education services officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron and a Roswell, N.M., native. “When I arrived at Miramar, I ended up working closely with [Marine Corps Community Services], and saw there was an opportunity to give back to the Marine Corps through a Christmas tree drive. I arranged everything from pickup to distribution.”
Peltzer Pines, located just outside of Irvine, Calif., donates hundreds of trees during the holiday season each year for service members throughout southern California. Those aboard MCAS Miramar are no exception.
“We have found over the years that between 300 and 400 [service members] are approximately how many people who actually need a tree,” said Soliz.
While this is a first-come, first-serve event, any trees not collected will still be available the following day. Any trees not retrieved on the first day of the giveaway are placed in the MCAS Miramar education center counseling office. They remain there until all trees have been collected.
“We keep all of the extras here, so service members can pick [the trees] up at their convenience,” said Trinity Herrera, an administrative assistant with the education center. “We know many of the Marines are busy and can’t necessarily come get the trees right away. This ensures that those few will still have a chance for a free Christmas tree.”
For any questions regarding volunteering for similar events at the education center or remaining tree collection, contact 858-577-1801.
| Date Taken: | 12.15.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.16.2011 16:46 |
| Story ID: | 81508 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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