Photo By Staff Sgt. Fredrick Varney | Staff Sgt. Paul Cimino, a unit standardization instructor assigned to Bravo Company,...... read more read more
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It was an exciting and fun filled day for the children of Belize Rural Primary School, as Soldiers and Marines set aside their military duties April 12th, 2017, to build everlasting friendships during a Beyond the Horizon 2017 community relations event.
The fun day was highlighted by a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter static display for the children, and included several different sporting activities such as cricket, soccer, basketball, and frisbee.
“The kids really enjoyed seeing the helicopter and getting to touch all the buttons,” said Sgt. James Bolek, a crew chief assigned to Alpha Company, 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion.
Bolek said the helicopter static display gave the children an opportunity to interact with U.S. military personnel on site and learn about the aircraft as well.
“Honestly, I feel like this event really helps us connect better with the people here,” said Pfc. Nickolas Sparrow, a shower and laundry specialist assigned to the 452nd Quartermaster Company. “The Belizeans are able to get a better feel for us and we are able to get a better feel for them which helps to improve communication with each other.”
Many of the Soldiers interacting with the kids during sports and activities were from the 452nd QM Co., which is an Army Reserve unit based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Sparrow said it was very enjoyable watching all the children smiling and interacting with U.S. Soldiers and Marines during the sporting activities.
“There has been lots of sports out here today, lots of running around with kids and military personnel playing cricket, soccer, basketball, and frisbee,” said Sparrow. “This event has been so much fun for everyone.”
Marilyn Stephenson, Belize Rural Primary School Principal, said the students enjoyed meeting and spending time with Servicemembers during the community relations event.
“I think the children were amazed when they heard the helicopter coming,” said Stephenson. “I kept watching how excited they were when the helicopter was flying overhead, and then finally landed on the school grounds.”
Adrienne M. Galanek, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Belize, was in attendance for the community relations event to visit with military personnel and students at the school.
“I just want to say that the mission for Beyond the Horizon really exemplifies the mission of the United States here in Belize and it’s one of people,” said Galanek. “The cornerstone of any good partnership is people and Beyond the Horizon is really a partnership between the government, the people of the United States, and Belize.
| Date Taken: | 04.12.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 04.13.2017 18:13 |
| Story ID: | 230314 |
| Location: | DOUBLE HEAD CABBAGE, BZ |
| Web Views: | 309 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
This work, Community Relations Event builds lasting friendships during Beyond the Horizon 2017, by SSG Fredrick Varney, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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