Photo By Cpl. Paul Zellner | Romanian orphaned children and Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 12, play red...... read more read more
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CONSTANTA, Romania - Approximately 30 Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 celebrated International Children’s Day with a weekend full of volunteering in Constanta, Romania, June 1-3.
In conjunction with multiple orphanages and a local charitable organization known as Asociata United Hands Romania, the Marines and sailors spent their Saturday at the beach teaching orphaned children common Marine Corps skills through games.
Service members played games including the three-legged race, red rover and red light green light to show the children the importance of teamwork through fun. After the beach a break was taken for lunch, which was sponsored completely by local businesses in the city. At the end of lunch two Marines dressed as clowns and entertained the children as they danced and played.
“This means a lot because these are the best kind of friends for the orphans and for me,” said Niculina “Nicky” Valimareanu, a 20-year-old who is a part of a program that transitions older orphans into employment and gives them a place to stay. “We appreciate the games, food and toys but most of all the moments we were able to share.”
Throughout the weekend a separate group of Marines set up a static display of gear and vehicles at a local park. Children were able to try on flak jackets and Kevlar helmets as well as see the inside of a Humvee and Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement truck.
“The children are so happy to interact with Marines and talk to them,” said Ana Grecu, center chief for Delfinul Agigea, a local orphanage. “They go back to the orphanage and are proud because they can say they have friends that are U.S. Marines.”
The children were not the only ones benefiting from the experience as the family oriented side of the Marines showed through their tough exterior.
“We like having the Marines involved because they are so far from home and from their families and friends,” said Renee Crossman, vice president of Asociata United Hands Romania. “This gives them a chance to relax, have fun and be a kid again themselves and spend time with our extended family here in Romania.”
“These men and women are quality individuals that the kids can look up to as role models and see that it’s good to stand up for what you believe in,” she continued.
The Marines and sailors are nearing the end of their six-month deployment which includes training exercises with 19 nations planned throughout the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucusus regions.
The Black Sea Rotational Force is a Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability and promote regional stability.
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2012 07:19 |
| Story ID: | 90050 |
| Location: | CONSTANTA, RO |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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