Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Philippine, US Marines visit elementary school

    Philippine, US Marines visit elementary school

    Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Courtney Glen White | Armed Forces of the Philippines Marines and U.S. Marines and sailors pass out...... read more read more

    TARLAC, LUZON, PHILIPPINES

    04.12.2013

    Story by Cpl. Courtney Glen White 

    III Marine Expeditionary Force   

    CAPAS, TARLAC, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines Marines, and U.S. Marines and Sailors visited Maruglo Elementary School in Capas, Tarlac, Philippines as part of a community relations event, April 12.

    The service members are currently participating in Balikatan 2013, an annual bilateral exercise in its 29th iteration, which provides a venue for AFP and U.S. military forces to develop and continue to enhance interoperability across a wide range of military capabilities.

    “It took the combined efforts of the U.S. and Philippine militaries to make this event happen,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jeffrey Terry, the command chaplain for 12 Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “The main goal was just to provide the children with a fun-filled day.”

    The Marines and Sailors hosted many events to entertain the children including a push-up competition, dance time, sprint relays and other team sports.

    “We played football and basketball with the children,” said AFP Marine Sgt. Redentor Pairat Jr., a team leader with 10th Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps, AFP. “They seemed really happy, as did the Marines.”

    The Marines and Sailors also brought donations from Project Hand-Clasp, according to Terry.

    “We were able to provide sports supplies, hygiene supplies and textbooks to the students of the school,” said Terry. “The religious program specialists, corpsmen and Marines also collected money to provide the children and members of the community with toothbrushes and toothpaste.”

    The corpsmen also gave a demonstration on how to properly brush your teeth, according to AFP Marine Sgt. Jefferson R. Acosta, a public affairs representative for the Philippine Marine Corps, AFP.

    “Good dental hygiene is important,” said Acosta. “Hygiene supplies are not always made available to the children, so opportunities like this are special.”

    “The event was an overwhelming success,” said U.S. Marine Sgt. Daniel P. Greer, a food service specialist with 12 Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF.

    “Working with the Philippine Marines has been a really enjoyable experience,” said Greer. “We were able to provide the community with supplies they needed and also have fun in the process.”

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 04.12.2013
    Date Posted: 04.16.2013 05:31
    Story ID: 105251
    Location: TARLAC, LUZON, PH

    Web Views: 338
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN