Fixing the Flood
Story by Cpl. Carley Vedro
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – Marines and sailors with 7th Marine Regiment, Combat Logistics Battalion 7 and 1st Tank Battalion volunteer in the local community after a flash flood caused traumatic damages to homes.
“I was at work when the flash flood hit,” said Mark Ross, homeowner, Air Force veteran and government civilian employee at CLB-7. “My wife gave me updates as the flood continued. The mudflow grew around the house, hitting the retaining wall and the mudflow swirled all around the house.”
“Seeing the Marines and sailors out here today means the absolute world to me, he said, they are truly doing God’s work out here, helping me and giving back to the community.”
The Marines and sailors filled sandbags and added them to the retaining wall to help prevent water reaching the house in the case of a future flood. They also removed the mud that encircled the outside of the house.
“I have lived here for 34 years and I have never experienced something this bad,” said Ed Kulmeyer, Ross’ neighbor.
Petty Officer 1st Class Karl Pompilus, HPSN Danielle Pardessi and Lance Cpl. Aaron Ropper helped orchestrate the event by coordinating with Ross and the commands to get the information to the Marines and Sailors.
Lt. Bryan Myers, Navy Chaplain, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment said, “It is all about giving back to the community. I have been to volunteer events at other duty stations and their attitude was negative. Despite the heat and lack of incentive the Marines and Sailors here today have a great attitude and energy because they truly want to be here to help the community.”
The Marines and sailors made a huge difference to the home and impacted the family greatly. They are scheduled to return to the home sometime this week to finish.