Photo By Master Sgt. Rebekka Heite | FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- A group of Marines and one sailor with 3rd Battalion, 2nd...... read more read more
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A loud “Hoorah” split the air as 135 Marines, most from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, responded to a customary “Roll Call,” marking the beginning of a long week that was Fleet Week Port Everglades, at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., May 1-7, 2017.
The efforts of fleet week – which included more than 60 events for the Marines participating -- sought to familiarize the local community with the Navy and the Marine Corps, as well as provide a series of community relations events, such as school visits, guided tours, and fishing trips, all hosted by Broward Navy Days and various other military supporting organizations.
“Fleet Week was a great opportunity for our Marines to showcase to the public, specifically the great people of Fort Lauderdale, what we are about,” said Maj. Mark Greenlief, 3/2 executive officer and the detachment commander during Fleet Week Port Everglades. “Throughout the week, we were greeted with open arms and support, the likes of which we haven't seen. The appreciation and support from the Broward Navy Days, Broward County Sherriff's Office, Fort Lauderdale Police and Fire Departments, and all of the people who hosted our Marines throughout the week left an indelible mark on each Marine.
“They went in with high expectations and left completely satisfied. It is important for us to participate in these types of events because we are able to give back to the people who support us and give our Marines the opportunity to interact with the people of Fort Lauderdale,” he added. “Throughout the week -- from the school and hospital community relation events to the ride alongs with the Sheriff's department to the fishing trips on the ocean -- Marines displayed a level of professionalism, gratitude, and commitment expected of our Marines. We seized every opportunity to support those that support us and the personal relationships made will last a lifetime. It was a great event that will forever have a stamp on these Marine's lives.”
The Marines agreed.
“Honestly, it was a great time for me and my Marines,” said Sgt. Timothy Vanderzwaag, an anti-tank missileman and platoon sergeant with 3/2. “We spent a lot of time just showing people what the Marine Corps is about while enjoying the events that they were kind enough to set up for us. It’s nice to know that they care and want to give back.”
The ‘giving back’ came in many forms; from complimentary meals, to a chance to see the Miami Marlins play at their home stadium.
Though the week consisted of a lot of smiles and fun, the week also was a time for reflection.
“The most important events throughout the week were the community relation events and the ships tours,” said Greenlief. “Through the community relation events we were able to give back to the community and show a personal face to the Marine Corps.
The Marines visited schools to share their experiences in the Corps, and visited veteran’s hospitals to listen to the experiences and challenges of the men and women who came before them.
“I liked talking to the vets,” said Lance Cpl. Riley Wilson, an assaultman with 3/2. “Talking to them really kind of opened my eyes a little to what we do here day to day. These are people who have lived through some of the toughest stuff a person can be called to do. Fleet Week isn’t just for us, it’s for them too.”
For the veterans and civilians who could travel onto the ship, the USS New York was set up and ready for daily ship tours where they and their families could see some of what the Navy and Marine Corps had to offer.
James Federici, a veteran of the Navy was able to make it on ship through the Honor Flight Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to transporting America’s veterans to visit various memorials in order to honor their services and sacrifices.
“It’s nothing like when I was on a ship in 1943, it’s a beautiful thing, there is nothing like it,” said Federici.
This is the purpose of fleet week; to show our service members where we have been, to show the community who we are, and to show our communities and those who have previously served, where we will be headed in the future.
“Interactions with kids at school, with veteran's in hospitals and American Legion posts, and with the organizers of the events left a positive impression both ways -- allowing us to showcase the ideals that set the Marine Corps apart,” said Greenlief. “Additionally, during the ships tours and displays we were able to showcase how we fight -- showing civilians the real reasons why we are ‘First to Fight' and ‘America's 911 force.’”
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 05.11.2017 15:28 |
| Story ID: | 233533 |
| Location: | FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 110 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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