Pendleton Marines teach meteorology and oceanography to local elementary students

Photo By Lance Cpl. Ricardo Ramirez | U.S. Marines with Meteorology and Oceanography section of 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, pose for a photo at Alamosa Elementary School, Oceanside, California, Nov. 15, 2023. The Marines with the battalion spent time with the local school to bolster their relationship with the local community and share their knowledge. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ricardo Ramirez)  

OCEANSIDE, CA, UNITED STATES

11.15.2023

Story by Lance Cpl. Ricardo Ramirez 

I MEF Information Group

In Oceanside, California, Nov. 15, 2023, U.S. Marines with the Meteorology and Oceanography section of 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, led the Alamosa Elementary School 5th grade class in a discussion about weather changes and how it impacts the environment.

The discussion provided an opportunity to bolster the relationship between the Marines and the local community. The class covered different kinds of weather, its causes and effects, and the history of weather forecasting uses.

“Weather affects pretty much everything you do on a daily basis,” said Master Sgt. Joseph Thompson, a native of Fresno, California, and staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the Meteorology and Oceanography section. “Whether that’s going to and from school or work, what to wear in the morning; everyday activities.”

The Marines used this opportunity to showcase their knowledge in Meteorology and Oceanography to explain real-world application of forecasting. The students were also able to converse with the Marines and asked well-constructed questions that challenged the instructors.

“It blew my mind how smart (the students) were,” said Thompson. “If I only had even a nugget of what they know when I was their age, I probably would’ve been strides ahead of where I am now.”

Thompson joined the Marine Corps in 2003, obtained two military occupational specialties, deployed three times, and served as an instructor at Meteorology and Oceanography Forecasting Course, to name a few of his career accomplishments. Thompson was also selected for promotion to take on more responsibility as a master gunnery sergeant.

Students at Alamosa Park Elementary expressed their enjoyment of their time spent with the Marines, and the Marines expressed what a privilege the opportunity was to serve their local community and work with the future of our nation.

“I see this as another way to give back,” said Master Sgt. Edward Erdmann, a native of Fresno, California, and an infantry operations chief with the battalion. “This is one of those gratifying moments that I get to do in my career. For us to come out here, and do something as small as this and leave a lasting impact, you can’t compare that feeling.”

At the conclusion of the class, both the Marines and students learned a great deal from each other and await the next opportunity to learn from one another again.

• Date Taken: 11.15.2023
• Date Posted: 11.20.2023 10:27
• Story ID: 458002
• Location: OCEANSIDE, CA, US
• Hometown: FRESNO, CA, US
• Hometown: PHENIX, AR, US