Photo By 2nd Lt. Christopher Garibay | Army Sgt. Isabel Polanco (far right), operations noncommissioned officer with J3...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - One of the unique characteristics of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is some of the special residents within its borders. The Special Category Residents living on base are Cuban nationals who fled the communist regime to seek refuge. Members of the Joint Task Force Guantanamo and the base Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions, came together to host two holiday parties at the Cuban Community Center, Dec. 27 and 31. The events were aimed at spreading holiday cheer to the residents, many of whom have families still in Cuba, the U.S. and abroad.
Troopers from NAVSTA and JTF GTMO came together to cook meals, decorate the community center and put together holiday gifts for the Cuban residents. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kerron Prendergast, president of CSADD, said the community center reached out to him to help sponsor the event and jumped at the opportunity. CSADD promotes constructive decisions and aims to create positive experiences for Sailors here and abroad.
“Our goal is to support the Cuban Residents because they have been on the island for a long time and bringing them Christmas cheer is the least we can do, plus we enjoyed doing this for them,” said Prendergast. “It was really exciting working with JTF and I hope we can do it again. This shows that we are ’one team one fight’ in more than just when we are at war against the enemy.”
The Cuban residents in GTMO meet every year at the community center, this year was no different, and while the faces hosting the festivities have changed, the spirit of holiday giving remained the same.
“This event planning brought us together for the first time and we witnessed how both JTF and NAVSTA came together to make a great holiday party not just for the SCRs, but I think for ourselves as well,” said Army Sgt. Isabel Polanco, operations noncommissioned officer with J3 Operations Directorate. “ I know that being around others and socializing with friends are important steps for maintaining your well-being and future reintegration. I believe this event assisted these service members in providing a sense of purpose of the holidays and by helping others through volunteer opportunities. Which was in my opinion ... emotionally and spiritually rewarding.”
The Cuban residents and program staff for the CCC were appreciative for the support the GTMO community.
“We are incredibly grateful the JTF and CSADD came together and held this event for the SCRs,” said Dana Lake, assistant manager of the Cuban Community Center. “It means a lot for the Cuban residents to come together for the holidays. We rely on the volunteers to assist our efforts here and show the residents we care about their well-being, especially during the holidays.”
Lake said it is important for the younger generation of enlisted Army and Navy to participate in activities with the SCR community of GTMO so they may learn about their history and to have a personal experience with them. “It has been a historical experience and a rewarding memory for everyone who participated to keep,” said Lake. “The residents have so many great stories about the past and the conflicts with Cuba so I’m glad we can keep those stories alive.”
In addition to having a holiday party, members of the JTF came back to ring in the New Year by hosting another party for the SCRs on Dec. 31. Cuban residents were able to show those in attendance documentaries about Cuban migrants in NAVSTA back when they numbered in the hundreds. Some shared their personal experiences during the last several decades here. For members of the JTF and NAVSTA, their support of the SCRs and continued generosity will also echo in history.
Those interested in volunteering or hosting an event for the SCRs at the Cuban Community Center may contact Dana Lake at dana.lake@gtmo.navy.mil.
| Date Taken: | 01.08.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.01.2016 13:11 |
| Story ID: | 190692 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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