Photo By Cpl. Jackeline Perez Rivera | Brig. Gen. Robert Castellvi, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - A bright-eyed first grader at Parkwood Elementary School in Jacksonville, N.C., had the unique opportunity to eat a school lunch with the leader of Marine Corps Installations East, in the school’s cafeteria, May 7.
Evoli Andrew won the lunch with Brig. Gen. Robert Castellvi during a raffle at the All-American Family Night, an event hosted by the Camp Lejeune School Liaison in April, where military families who live outside of base can learn about resources available to them.
The young artist enjoyed speaking to Castellvi about art and gave him a painting of the American flag.
“I like that he likes art, and I like art too,” said Evoli. “Talking about it was really fun.”
Evoli looked forward to talking to Castellvi since the competition, said Jacqueline Andrew, Evoli’s mother.
“She said it was her honor to meet him,” said Jacqueline.
However, Castellvi feels the honor was his.
“It meant so much to me,” said Castellvi. “(Meeting Evoli) demonstrates the partnership we have with our community. These schools are partnered with us to teach our military kids. So many of them, like Evoli, are a part of the fabric of this community and to be able to see the wonderful things that this school does to make our kids feel special is important.”
While Evoli is young, she has a deep appreciation for the military, said Jacqueline. Jacqueline served in the Army and Evoli’s father and grandfather are Marines.
“From the moment she found out, she was excited,” said Jacqueline. “She said she knew he was special to the Marine Corps and she wanted it to be special.”
Evoli carefully picked a bow for her hair and a dress to wear for the occasion.
“(Castellvi) was charming and wonderful,” said Jacqueline. “He was thoughtful and happy to meet her.”
Gunnery Sgt. David Andrew, Evoli’s father, appreciated that Castellvi took the time off of his schedule to spend it with Evoli.
Castellvi hopes other military families can see how MCIEAST is looking to support them, whether they live on base or in local communities.
“I think they feel the love and support that we have for them on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River,” said Castellvi. “We’re a part of their lives whether it’s inside the base or outside in the community. We care about them and we take part in their education.”
For more information about the School Liaison Office future events, visit www.mccslejeune.com/schools.
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| Date Taken: | 05.15.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.15.2014 11:47 |
| Story ID: | 129882 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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