2/3 supports food giveaway for Afghan families

NIMRUZ PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

09.10.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. John Hitesman 

2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade

NIMRUZ PROVINCE, Afghanistan — In the spirit of Ramadan, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan purchased food to give away to less fortunate families in the city of Delaram.

Ramadan, a time for spiritual and physical cleansing, is also a time for almsgiving. 3rd Platoon, Echo Co., decided to share in the spirit of Ramadan by organizing and carrying out a food giveaway for underprivileged families in the area.

Together, the Marines of Echo Co., the Afghan national police, and the mayor of Delaram purchased bags of rice, wheat and beans from the vendors at the local bazaar as part of a concerted effort to not only help underprivileged families, but also to contribute to the local economy. Additionally, shopping in the Delaram bazaar presented the Marines and ANP officers with an opportunity to spread the word about the food giveaway.

The Marines of 2/3 and the ANP purchased enough food to feed 300 people, splitting the cost between the two groups. The groups purchased so much food they filled two trucks to maximum capacity.

"We are very grateful for the Marines and for what they have done for us and the people of Afghanistan," said Col. Kudus, the ANP chief of Delaram. "These acts of goodwill are what make Ramadan important to everyone."

The Marines of the company relished the opportunity to do something for the citizens of Delaram that had an immediate, visible, positive outcome.

"This was a tangible way for us to immediately help some of the people of Delaram," said Staff Sgt. Antonio P. Dominguez, a platoon commander from Echo Co. "We wanted a way to be able to help the less fortunate here and at the end of day, when they break their daily fast, we thought it would be nice to ensure they had enough food to feed their families.

"Projects like this help build better partnerships between the people and their local government," he added. "It also shows the people here that we, Marines of 2/3, do care about their well being and that we are here to help. We can do much more for the good of the people of Afghanistan than the Taliban can do."

• Date Taken: 09.10.2009
• Date Posted: 09.10.2009 10:22
• Story ID: 38544
• Location: NIMRUZ PROVINCE, AF