CRF Sailors Volunteer at San Diego Elementary School, Interacts with 700 Students

CA, UNITED STATES

11.01.2016

Story by Jennifer Cragg 

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

SAN DIEGO, California – Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 1 and Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 3 volunteered at Juarez Lincoln Elementary School’s law enforcement day and interacted with more than 700 students in San Diego, Oct. 25.

As part of their ongoing community outreach events the Sailors returned to Juarez Lincoln Elementary School for a second year in a row according to Petty Officer 1st Class Lonzie E. Medina, who is assigned to CRG 1’s chaplain’s office.

“I enjoyed letting the children know more about what the military does for them, what we provide to our country and break it down for them in ways they can understand,” said Medina, who coordinated both this year and the previous year’s COMREL at the elementary school.

Juarez Lincoln Elementary School Principal Toni Faddis appreciated the volunteerism by many.

"Our law enforcement day has expanded each year with additional agencies participating to provide different learning experiences for children," said Faddis. "Students tell me they look forward to this event all year and many have identified a branch of the military or law enforcement as possible future career choices. My goal of providing opportunities for students to make meaningful personal connections with different servicemen and women has been realized."

Medina added that the Sailors brought equipment, such as, a 34-foot patrol boat, radios, helmets, and other gear, to the law enforcement day to bring awareness of the types of equipment Coastal Riverine Forces use while deployed. Along with Sailors from CRG 1 and CRS 3, representatives from the Chula Vista and San Diego Police department also volunteered alongside members of the U.S. Border Patrol.

The elementary school’s law enforcement day was part of Red Ribbon Week, whereby students are introduced to law enforcement personnel to learn about criminal justice, safety procedures, and future careers.

CRG 1’s Command Master Chief James Campbell appreciated his Sailors’ community outreach efforts to bring more awareness to the capabilities of the Coastal Riverine Force.

“Yesterday’s event was a great opportunity for some of our Coastal Riverine Forces to explain to the students what they do for the defense of our nation whether it is providing landward security to protecting ports and harbors so they have a better understanding of the different ways our military members can serve their country,” said Campbell.

CRG 1 and CRS 3 are part of the Coastal Riverine Force, which operates in harbors, rivers, bays, across the littorals and ashore. The primary mission of CRF is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations.

• Date Taken: 11.01.2016
• Date Posted: 11.02.2016 07:53
• Story ID: 213567
• Location: CA, US