Photo By Pfc. Joseph Altemus | Sgt. Ronald Scott, an intelligence analyst for Marine Forces Reserve, attempts to...... read more read more
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By Lance Cpl. Fenton Reese
BELLE CHASSE, La. — An atmosphere of energy, joy and excitement filled the air as the Marine Corps’ signature Blue Angels’ C-130T Hercules known as “Fat Albert,” carrying approximately 1,000 toys, sailed over the horizon and taxied to a stop in front of the crowd.
The crowd, composed of service members, representatives of known and up-and-coming foundations and community supporters, came together at Marine Transport Squadron Belle Chasse hangar to support this year’s Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive, Dec. 2.
“Fat Albert” took off early that morning from Pensacola, Fl., making stops to collect toys in Atlanta and Texas, finally arriving to Belle Chasse. In an “all hands on deck” fashion, the crowd formed an assembly line in preparation to unload the toys from the aircraft. The toys were set to be sent to warehouses to prep for holiday distribution.
“Just recently, I heard about a mother who passed away. That Christmas, her son received a toy fire truck from Toys for Tots. Now, he’s a commander at a fire station,” said Lt. Col. Roberts J. Braatz, the commanding officer for Marine Aircraft Group 49 Detachment C., 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, as he described the impact of Toys for Tots. That impact is what fuels his motivation to support the program and what it stands for.
“These gifts represent a brighter future,” Braatz said.
Representatives from United Way of Greater New Orleans and sportswear company Humanity for All were also in attendance to support the cause and build awareness of their respective organizations.
To top off the event, a few celebrities also came out to show support. Former New Orleans Saints player Charles Grant, who now plays for the NFL’s Chicago Bears, truly showed his appreciation for all the support by purchasing the entire beverage cart on the side of the hangar for all in attendance.
Also amongst the ranks of noted guests was famed hip-hop recording duo, Nappy Roots, courtesy of Humanity for All, in efforts to help support the cause.
As the last few toys were being passed down into the vehicles, the crowd’s attention was directed to the sky as two F/A-18 jets soared overhead symbolically representing the events of the day.
As the sun set, the people went their separate ways and “Fat Albert” slowly rolled away.
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.13.2011 12:23 |
| Story ID: | 63482 |
| Location: | BELLE CHASSE, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 96 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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