Marines volunteer at Boys and Girls Club in New York City

Photo By Sgt. Calvin Shamoon | Sergeant Christopher Norwood, an infantryman with the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, speaks to children at Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club during Fleet Week New York, May 23, New York City. Fleet Week has been held nearly every year since 1984 and is the city’s celebration of sea services. It provides citizens of New York City and the surrounding tri-state area the opportunity to meet and interact with Marines, sailors and coast guardsmen, as well as see the capabilities of today’s maritime services.  

BRONX, NY, UNITED STATES

05.23.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. Calvin Shamoon 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

BRONX, N.Y. - Four Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Marines, alongside sailors and Coast Guardsmen volunteered their time to visit homeless children at Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club during Fleet Week New York in New York City, May 23, 2015.

The Marines arrived in New York City to participate in this year’s annual Fleet Week. During the week Marines engage in events that allow them to give back to the city and the surrounding area. Fleet Week also gives New York City and the tri-state area residents an opportunity to see the capabilities of the Marine Corps as well as meet the Marines themselves.

“Nine years ago we wanted to do something as a community service project for the sailors, Marines and Coast Guard when they were here for Fleet Week New York,” said Dr. William Butler, a volunteer director of the military ministry of Times Square Church. “What a great opportunity to have these men and women spend an afternoon with homeless children. It brings them hope and encouragement and make them feel special for an afternoon.”

The Marines arrived to the Boys and Girls Club and paired up with a homeless child. They spoke to them about their service in the military, ate lunch with the children, and played wiffle ball or helped the children with arts and crafts.

“It feels good knowing that people genuinely care. Seeing their reaction and enthusiasm toward us was a great experience,” said Marine Sgt. Christopher Norwood, an infantryman with the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

The event let children see service members in person rather than reading about them watching them on television. It makes a difference, that men and women in uniform come here and make these children feel special, said Dr. Butler.

It gives us an opportunity to get out here and talk to the local population, and show them a side of us they don’t see every day, said Norwood.

• Date Taken: 05.23.2015
• Date Posted: 05.24.2015 17:24
• Story ID: 164416
• Location: BRONX, NY, US
• Hometown: NEPTUNE CITY, NJ, US
• Hometown: OXFORD, CT, US