Sailors and Marines Volunteer at Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Photo By Master Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Holly | Cpl. Scott K. Schoening, a combat engineer with Combat Engineer platoon, Headquarters and Support Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Spokane, Wash., native, prepares to take a dog for a walk at local animal shelter, May 7, in Manama, Bahrain. The 13th MEU and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group are currently on a deployment in support of regional and Maritime Security Operations.  

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

05.15.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Matthew Holly 

13th Marine Expeditionary Unit   

MANAMA, Bahrain— Approximately 25 Marines and Sailors from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit volunteered at the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on May 7.

The Marines and Sailors from the Combat Engineer platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, spent several hours helping walk, wash, feed and play with animals.

1st Lt. Curtiss W. Peck said volunteering at the BSPCA was both a fun and rewarding experience.

"The shelter doesn't normally have such a large group of volunteers," said Peck, a Milwaukee native and platoon commander for Combat Engineer platoon. "It worked out to the benefit of the animals being able to get so much attention."

Peck said it was important to give his Marines an opportunity to get out and be involved in an activity that was constructive for them, the community, and the animals.

But not all the benefits went to the animals; whether it was walking a dog or playing with a cat, a feeling of home came along with this outreach.

"I know that having the chance to interact with animals, especially dogs and cats which we normally keep as household pets in the U.S., would be good for the spirits of the men," said Peck.

At the end of the day the Marines felt they made a difference by their efforts - they also had a chance to reduce the work for the staff at the shelter for a day or two.

"The workers at the shelter were extremely appreciative of the Marines and the work they put in, and they wanted to know when we could come back next," said Peck. "The love the animals received made their day too."

The 13th MEU and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group are currently on a deployment in support of regional and Maritime Security Operations.

In addition to BLT 1/1, the MEU is composed of its Command Element; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced); and Combat Logistics Battalion 13.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2009
• Date Posted: 05.15.2009 12:57
• Story ID: 33660
• Location: MANAMA, BH