DEDEDO, GUAM – On March 27, 2026, Marines assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz (MCBCB) participated in their Sister School, Finegayan Elementary's, Guam Heritage Day (Mes CHamoru)—a field day and celebration with students, faculty, and community partners. This event was part of the installation’s ongoing commitment to community relations (COMREL) initiatives. March’s event marked another opportunity for the Marines to support a school-led activity through direct participation, student interaction, and tangible support.
In February, Marines from Camp Blaz had already engaged in a beautification project at Finegayan Elementary, assisting with grounds maintenance and spending time interacting with students during recess. This previous event left a lasting impact on the Marines, who reflected on the simple joy students took in their play.
“The kids were just happy to run around with us, with little to no toys or games,” said Lance Cpl. Mark Dvoskin, a graphic design Marine at Camp Blaz. “It was clear they make the most of what they have.”
Following the February event, Camp Blaz leadership became aware of the school’s ongoing challenges, including limited resources and the difficulty of maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for students.
“In the last six months, we’ve experienced four break-ins, resulting in stolen recess equipment, classroom supplies, and more,” said a school representative. “It’s difficult, but we make do, and we do our best to ensure the students are impacted as little as possible.”
Making the most of limited resources is a mindset familiar to Marines worldwide, but it’s not one they believe should apply to neighboring students. In response, a last-minute initiative was launched to gather and donate new equipment for the students of Finegayan Elementary School.
"A small recess and sports equipment drive immediately came to mind," said Maj. Mark Crum, Communication Strategy & Operations Director, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. "Camp Blaz personnel have consistently responded positively to similar drives in the past, and I knew I could count on our Marine Corps community, to support the community around us."
Thanks to the generosity of the Marines, Sailors, and civilian staff of Camp Blaz, nearly 60 items were donated, including volleyball nets and balls, footballs, soccer balls, jump ropes, chalk, and more—just in time for the March 27th COMREL event.
“We’re here to train and provide operational support in the region, but as Marines, we’re also committed to being good people and good neighbors,” said Sgt. Lawrencia Fosu, manpower clerk, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. “We want to show our sister school students that they matter, and that the Marines across the street are looking out for them—always.”
The event concluded with a successful blend of celebration, generosity, and community spirit. From the local festivities and sports supply donation to the engaging field day activities, the day exemplified the Marines of Camp Blaz’s commitment to character, integrity, and fostering strong bonds with the local community. By embracing the generous CHamoru culture, the Marines both gave and received appreciation, reinforcing the enduring partnership between the military and the people of Guam.
As the Marine Corps Service Component for Joint Region Marianas, MCBCB provides power projection capabilities that enable operational forces to train, deploy, redeploy, and reconstitute. MCBCB also supports tenant organizations, military personnel, and their families, operating a training base that promotes the combat readiness of the Fleet Marine Force and the missions of other tenant commands. The base provides essential training venues, facilities, services, and support to meet the Marine Corps’ future combat requirements and remain responsive to the needs of Marines, Sailors, and their families.