Marines, community breathe new life into Dededo park

DEDEDO, GUAM

03.28.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Peter Sanders 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

DEDEDO, Guam - A group of Marines participating in Exercise Guahan Shield partnered with Guam’s Islandwide Beautification Task Force and Noncommunicable Disease Consortium March 28 to help restore parts of the Liguan Terrace community in Dededo, Guam. The day’s project is part of Guam’s acting Gov. Ray Tenorio’s efforts to restore Guam’s green spaces and enhance the living conditions of the island.

“Our main goal today is to team up with Marines and clean up an area that has been previously neglected,” said Tenorio.

The Marines’ help in the effort has multiple positive effects, according to Tenorio.

“Having the Marines out here greatly benefits everyone involved, because every one of those hands and every one of those hearts make a difference in this community,” said Tenorio. “As an added benefit, it’s a great way for the local community and Marine Corps to get to know each other and for members of the community to get a real understanding of what the Marine Corps is all about.”

As part of the acting governor’s jurisdiction, the IBTF, relying on volunteers and donations, aims to restore the island’s public spaces by removing items such as graffiti and trash to facilitate a renewed sense of responsibility and pride, according to Tenorio.

Another set of helping hands during the cleanup were members of the Physical Activities Team of an organization known as the Noncommunicable Disease Consortium, which is designed to facilitate awareness and prevention of diseases such as obesity and heart disease, according to Chris Surla, a health educator for the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services.

“We are trying to promote physical activity for everyone in the neighborhood by cleaning up parks so anyone can use them,” said Surla.

“If we can keep this area clean and promote physical activity, we can prevent noncommunicable disease by ensuring the places for people to go are inviting,” Surla added.

The progress made during the day’s cleanup project is due in part to a variety of cooperating organizations, according to Lawrence Alam, program coordinator for the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and coordinator for the Physical Activities Group of the consortium.

“We could not have done what we did as quickly as we did without the help of organizations such as the Marine Corps and the IBTF,” said Alam.

The Marines that helped are with various units participating in Exercise Guahan Shield, an exercise designed to facilitate multiservice engagements, set conditions for bilateral and multilateral training opportunities, and support rapid response to potential crises and contingency operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Marines have been on island for about two months and have already made a very positive impact on Guam, according to Tenorio.

“Every single Marine that comes to this island does something to help our community,” said Tenorio.

“When we think about the Marine Corps, we think about young men and women; people who are professionals in one way or another,” added Tenorio. “They ultimately want to give back to the community and make a positive difference wherever they go.”

For years, Guam’s residents have maintained a great affinity and respect for the Marine Corps, according to Tenorio.

“The Marines have been an integral part of our community for many, many years,” said Tenorio. “We value them so much; we named our main road Marine Corps Drive.”

The impact of the Marines that came to help is very appreciated and enduring, according to Tenorio.

“I have the greatest admiration for the Marines here today,” said Tenorio. “They have done things for this island that will never be forgotten. I thank the Marines for stepping up and answering the call to help this community.”

• Date Taken: 03.28.2013
• Date Posted: 04.07.2013 19:19
• Story ID: 104765
• Location: DEDEDO, GU