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    CP-15 Honduras

    TRUJILLO, HONDURAS

    09.11.2015

    Story by Cpl. Kirstin Spanu  

    U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South

    TRUJILLO, Honduras - There are countless reasons why American citizens join the United States military. Some join to fight for their country, others for college money and some to travel the world. Those who enjoy the latter know that experiencing other cultures can be eye-opening. The differences between two sets of people can be astounding, but it is the things they have in common that really help to construct an unforgettable bond for both parties.

    Service members aboard the USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) have been traveling to over ten countries in the Caribbean and Latin America in support of Operation Continuing Promise 2015. Operation Continuing Promise is a mission in which the United States military works with host nations to provide humanitarian assistance and execute civil-military operations alongside various partner nations within the area of operation.

    While providing free, quality health and dental care is the primary mission for those supporting CP-15, they also like to unwind with citizens of their host nation. Though most countries in the AOR are Spanish-speaking, there is one thing everyone can do together despite any difference in language: sports.

    “Sports are a great way to build partnerships with the host nation in a different way,” said Emily Randell, afloat recreation director aboard the USNS Comfort (T-AH-20). “It breaks down any language barrier and brings everyone together. It also allows sailors [and other service members] to participate in leisure activities that they enjoy.”

    Service members have participated in a variety of sports activities in the countries they have visited including basketball, soccer, cricket and water polo.

    “This has been a great opportunity to get in touch with people we normally wouldn’t in our day-to-day lives,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Terrence Goss, a corpsman with the USNS Comfort (T-AH-20). “Not only does it build relationships, but it gives you an opportunity to see the world outside of your own point of view.”

    The sporting events are open to people of all skill levels and can be competitive or just for fun said Randell. At the end of each event, members from the ship give out soccer balls and shirts sporting the mission’s logo.

    “We spread the word of the CP-15 mission and give back to the communities at the same time,” said Randell.

    The service members aboard the USNS Comfort have proven that fun is universal.

    “This opportunity is the type of thing that you want to wake up and do every day,” said Goss. “I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.11.2015
    Date Posted: 09.14.2015 08:32
    Story ID: 175816
    Location: TRUJILLO, HN

    Web Views: 34
    Downloads: 5

    PUBLIC DOMAIN