thedrifter
05-18-05, 03:18 PM
Sent to me by Mark aka The Fontman
Station Marines attend 'senior' prom
Submitted by: MCAS New River
Story by Lance Cpl. Brandon M. Gale
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (May 18, 2005) -- Twenty-one Station Marines volunteered to serve as escorts for residents at Britthaven Nursing Home's 4th annual "senior" prom May 11.
According to Allysha D. Koury, Britthaven activities director, the idea for the prom came from the desire four years ago to hold a dance for the residents.
"It just escalated," she said. "Getting the volunteers and all the planning probably starts a month in advance."
The prom began at approximately 5 p.m., as the Marines escorted the residents, many of who were in wheelchairs, from their rooms to the nursing home's common area. A total of 42 residents and their families participated.
The area was decorated in red, white and blue, with nearly 100 balloons floating on the ceiling and a large American flag covering a wall. Britthaven staff set up a buffet with a variety of finger foods, and a disc jockey played music throughout the night.
The Marines wore either their Service "A" or Dress Blue uniforms, and many said they were pleased to have a chance to spend time with the residents.
"I said 'yes' when they asked us if anyone wanted to come," said Pfc. Dujuan O.
Canaday, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-261 airframes mechanic. "I had fun and the people here tell some good stories."
Canaday escorted resident Ruth Kellum, who said she was glad to have the Marines come to Britthaven for the night.
Other Marines said they volunteered for personal reasons.
"My grandmother was in a home for a while," said Lance Cpl. Anthony P. Bello, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training student. "That's basically why I came."
Koury said the visits from Marines have a big impact on the residents.
"They love it," she said. "They talk about it for weeks afterward. I have one or two residents who still talk about last year's prom."
The evening ended at approximately 8 p.m. after two residents were named the king and queen of the prom.
Ellie
Station Marines attend 'senior' prom
Submitted by: MCAS New River
Story by Lance Cpl. Brandon M. Gale
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (May 18, 2005) -- Twenty-one Station Marines volunteered to serve as escorts for residents at Britthaven Nursing Home's 4th annual "senior" prom May 11.
According to Allysha D. Koury, Britthaven activities director, the idea for the prom came from the desire four years ago to hold a dance for the residents.
"It just escalated," she said. "Getting the volunteers and all the planning probably starts a month in advance."
The prom began at approximately 5 p.m., as the Marines escorted the residents, many of who were in wheelchairs, from their rooms to the nursing home's common area. A total of 42 residents and their families participated.
The area was decorated in red, white and blue, with nearly 100 balloons floating on the ceiling and a large American flag covering a wall. Britthaven staff set up a buffet with a variety of finger foods, and a disc jockey played music throughout the night.
The Marines wore either their Service "A" or Dress Blue uniforms, and many said they were pleased to have a chance to spend time with the residents.
"I said 'yes' when they asked us if anyone wanted to come," said Pfc. Dujuan O.
Canaday, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-261 airframes mechanic. "I had fun and the people here tell some good stories."
Canaday escorted resident Ruth Kellum, who said she was glad to have the Marines come to Britthaven for the night.
Other Marines said they volunteered for personal reasons.
"My grandmother was in a home for a while," said Lance Cpl. Anthony P. Bello, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training student. "That's basically why I came."
Koury said the visits from Marines have a big impact on the residents.
"They love it," she said. "They talk about it for weeks afterward. I have one or two residents who still talk about last year's prom."
The evening ended at approximately 8 p.m. after two residents were named the king and queen of the prom.
Ellie