Photo By Sgt. Atticus Martinez | U.S. Marine Corps GySgt. Adam Zurn, the combat engineer chief for Task Force Koa Moana...... read more read more
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KOROR, Republic of Palau – (August 15, 2021) The roads in Peleliu are steeped in history and have seen the comings and goings of Marines for nearly a century. When the Marines of Task Force Koa Moana 21, I Marine Expeditionary Force, saw a way to pay homage to the legacy of Marines while also honoring their friendship with the people of Palau, they took it.
Task Force Koa Moana 21 has completed work with the people of Palau to improve the roads throughout Peleliu as a sign of their continued friendship and commitment to Palau and its people.
Peleliu has a rich history, especially to Marines. Called “the bitterest battle of the war for the Marines” by the National Museum of the Marine Corps, it holds a special place in history for many.
“The completion of the work is like day and night difference, people are enjoying it. I have never seen so many cars driving back and forth.” Said Temmy Shmull, governor of Peleliu State. “All the people of Peleliu benefit from this road, all the people who visit this island will benefit. The school busses use this road, the children benefit which is very important to us.”
The completion of the road project was planned to coincide with the Peleliu Liberation Day Celebration held on Aug. 14 this year. The celebration is a state holiday for both Ngaraard and Peleliu.
“Peleliu is sacred ground for the U.S. Marine Corps. Getting the opportunity to see it in person was incredible.” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jason Reukema, commanding officer of Task Force Koa Moana 21, I Marine Expeditionary Force. “After speaking with Governor Shmull about the roads in Peleliu, I saw an opportunity for the task force, which has a wealth of engineering knowledge, to do something that would support the people of Palau and further cement the Palauan and U.S. relationship. After that, making the project a priority was an easy choice.”
The road project is part of the overall mission of TFKM-21 to conduct Theater Security Operations and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the Compact of Free Association.
Task Force Koa Moana is designed to strengthen and enhance relationships between the U.S. and partner nations/states in the Indo-Pacific Region while remaining COVID-19 safe. Task Force Koa Moana 21 has the unique opportunity and privilege of working with the Republic of Palau as a sign of the U.S. commitment to the people of Palau and its partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific Region.
For questions regarding this release, please contact the Task Force Koa Moana Communication Strategy and Operations Officer at duane.kampa@usmc.mil.
| Date Taken: | 08.15.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 08.27.2021 14:25 |
| Story ID: | 403858 |
| Location: | KOROR, PW |
| Web Views: | 104 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Task Force Koa Moana Improves Roads in Peleliu, by 1LT Duane Kampa, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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