Photo By Cpl. Ryan Mains | U.S. Marines and sailors repaint the parking lot of Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School...... read more read more
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DEDEDO, Guam - “USS Ashland, debarking,” says a sailor over the 1MC as the USS Ashland (LSD 48) pulls into port in Dededo, Guam. For most of the Marines and sailors, that means a few days to themselves out in town. However, a few days off also presents the opportunity for volunteers to interact with the locals.
U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Ashland spent a portion of their time off at Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School in Dededo as part of a community relations project, Aug. 5, 2015.
“Volunteering for this gave us something to do rather than just sitting around on the ship or going out in town,” said Lance Cpl. Levi Varney, an AAV-P7/A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicle crew chief with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU. “It gave us a chance to do something good and constructive for the locals with our spare time.”
After arriving at the school, the Marines and sailors were greeted by some of the staff and faculty. There they were assigned groups and a certain task to accomplish.
“We reached out to our military partners to assist us in preparing our school for this upcoming school year,” explained Marites Garcia, the assistant principal for Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School. “We needed help beautifying the school, including painting the floors, walls, playground area and the front of the school and we really appreciate all of those who have volunteered and showed up to help today.”
With marching orders given, the Marines and sailors picked up their paint brushes and went to work. After a few hours of dedicated work, the staff and faculty of the school set up tables and offered the Marines and sailors homemade meals.
“I think it is important that we participate in events such as this so we can show the locals that we aren’t just doing business for the military, but are also here to render aid and foster ongoing relationships as well,” said Lt. Merlin Stephan, the command chaplain for the Ashland. “I am grateful to have a combined blue/green team effort helping with this project because it helps build cohesion between the Marines and sailors aboard the Ashland.”
After the volunteers finished painting the school, the faculty brought all of them into the cafeteria where they took group photos and presented certificates.
“My favorite thing about working with the Marines and sailors is the willingness to be here for help,” said Garcia. “They are always so respectful and eager to get the work done.”
| Date Taken: | 08.05.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2015 04:15 |
| Story ID: | 173019 |
| Location: | DEDEDO, GU |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Helping hands: U.S. Marines and sailors assist in painting school, by Cpl Ryan Mains, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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