Photo By Cpl. Ryan Little | U.S. Marines pose for a photo in front of cans collected during a canned food drive...... read more read more
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Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz prides itself on tradition and a strong set of values that guide its mission and community outreach.
This year, as the Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honorable service to our nation – Camp Blaz commemorates the milestone with participating in an island wide canned food drive, supporting the children of Guam.
Introduced to the installation by the Joint Region Mariana’s Community Relations lead, Shaina O’Neal – Be Heartfelt’s “Meal Pack Program” serves as a food distribution initiative that utilizes donated canned goods to provide meals to children across Guam. School meals are often the main source of nutrition for many children, and the meal pack program supplements meals over weekends and school breaks.
The mission of Be Heartfelt’s “Meal Pack Program” resonates with the Marines and community on Camp Blaz. Just a month ago, Marines took part in a sister school outreach event where they interacted with students, shared meals, and engaged in recess activities. During the event, Camp Blaz personnel experienced firsthand how the Guam Department of Education schools provide no cost meals to all students. Effectively providing nutritious meals during school days but leaving a gap for students that experience food insecurity on weekends.
“It’s impactful to see the organization I’m proud to be a part of contribute towards a goal that helps kids on the island I grew up on” said Lance Cpl. Paul Jr. Perez, personnel clerk, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. “No kid should wonder where their next meal comes from”.
Food insecurity causes a domino effect, impacting overall health, development, cognitive focus, and social participation. The Meal Pack Program provides a sense of value and encouragement to the children it reaches.
“Marines and the island of Guam have a long and intertwined history,” said Col. Marshall, commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. “From times of war, through periods of peace, the service of your Guam-based Marines should always be consistent and impactful. Whether we’re collecting canned goods or carrying out operational missions in the region, Marines do it willingly, professionally, and with the utmost determination to not only meet expectations but surpass them.”
Camp Blaz is proud to report a total of 547 collected canned goods – exceeding the initial goal of 250 cans. This successful effort by the smallest unit on the island, reflects the Marine Corps’ enduring dedication not only to national security but also to the wellbeing of the communities it serves. As the Corps celebrates its milestone 250th birthday, the spirit of service, community, and determination remains at the heart of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz.
| Date Taken: | 10.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.02.2025 01:53 |
| Story ID: | 549795 |
| Location: | GU |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Camp Blaz doubles initial goal as canned food drive comes to a close, by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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