Photo By Sgt. Michelle Reif | Sgt. Justin Mcqueen, a signal and intelligence analyst with 2nd Radio Battalion,...... read more read more
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WEST END, Grand Bahama, (June 15-16, 2017.) — U.S. Marines representing the Marine Headquarters Group and Navy sailors aboard the USS Iwo Jima volunteered their time to restoring the life and color into the West End Primary School near Freeport, Bahamas, June 15-16, 2017, after the community was devastated by the recent Hurricane Matthew.
The group set sail from Mayport, Fla., for the Bahamian island in order to help a community in need. Now, thanks to those Marines and sailors, a primary school has a fresh coat of paint and the children of the school have made some wonderful new friends.
“This community, as well as many others, was hit very hard by [Hurricane] Matthew, and it’s very difficult for them to recover sometimes,” said Navy Chaplain Lt. Doyl McMurry. “This is us having a chance to tell these kids how much we care.”
After planting new trees and painting several classrooms, the Marines and sailors enjoyed a day of sports and activities with the children of the school. Events included sack races, soccer, relays, a bounce-house and much more.
“It’s just wonderful to have the Marines and Navy [sailors] come and join us and help us celebrate and I am sure they are enjoying the time with the children,” said Navidia Mills, the principle of the school. “They seem to be having as much fun or more than the children here today.”
After the Marines and sailors completed all the sports and games, the group enjoyed a warm, home-cooked meal with the children and school staff. Smiling faces were all around as the children and adults laughed together and celebrated the end of the school year and a job well done.
“To have the ability to impact someone so greatly with a little bit of paint was an overwhelming experience,” said Cpl. Margaret Bain-Verhelle, a supply clerk with 8th Communications Battalion. “I’m very honored to have been a part of this project and to make a difference in the world outside of what my everyday job is.”
| Date Taken: | 06.15.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 06.20.2017 12:32 |
| Story ID: | 238531 |
| Location: | WEST END, BS |
| Web Views: | 111 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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