thedrifter
08-03-07, 06:56 AM
Liberty in Lima motivates Marines
Sgt. Justin Park
LIMA, Peru(Aug. 2, 2007) -- Their training complete, Marines of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 24 have enjoyed the chance to reflect upon accomplishing the goals of the command and more throughout Partnership of the Americas 2007, an annual training exercise in which the bond between Marines of North and South America has been strengthened.
They trained side by side with Peruvian Marines in martial arts, various field operations, marches through the desert, and even on Peruvian vessels. There were plenty of experiences to take away from Peru for these Marines, but it would have been incomplete if they didn't have a chance to see what Peruvian life is like outside of the military. Overnight liberty in the city of Lima from June 29 to July 1 was a welcome change for all of the Marines involved.
"The local restaurants were very nice, with great service and food. There were a lot of stores and shops that offered anything you could want from here. Most everything was within walking distance and along the ocean, which made for a relaxing setting. It was a great chance for us to explore Lima and see some of the sights out here," said Cpl. Brandon M. Schuster, an Electro-Optical Ordnance Repairman from Maryville, Mo., with 24th Marine Regiment Security Platoon out of Kansas City.
The Marines stayed at the Las Americas, a five-star hotel in a busy tourist area of Lima called Miraflores. While Marines appreciate the smaller things in life, long deployments and nights in the field can make these easy to forget. In Lima, these Marines enjoyed some things previously taken for granted, like hot showers, warm beds and dinner menu options. After weeks of tough training, it wouldn't have taken very much for these men to be satisfied, yet their expectations were far exceeded by the quality service at the hotel, the location, and the seemingly limitless options of places to go.
"The employees at Hotel Las Americas were very hospitable and they put forth a great effort. There wasn't a problem with language because they were so proactive about helping us out," said Sgt. Shane M. Williams, an Electrical Equipment Repair Specialist with 4th Maintenance Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group.
"I especially enjoyed the bargain shopping with the locals and the souvenirs were really interesting. The historical Nazcan artifacts were really cool and inspired me to learn more about the ancient culture of Peru and the Incas," continued the Davenport, Iowa, resident.
Those interested in expanding their cultural knowledge saw it as a great opportunity. Many Marines spent their days at the various souvenir shops, of which there were plenty. The Marines had no trouble finding excellent deals on goods for themselves or their families and some came back with enough to fill a sea bag. It was a surprising part of the culture to some that the prices could be knocked down to about 50% of what was marked after a little bargaining.
There were local restaurants where Marines could try out local meals for affordable prices, as well as such commonly known places as Tony Roma's and McDonald's for those less adventurous. Once evening came, the list of places to go expanded to a large number of exciting nightclubs and bars, as well as nightly art galleries and flea market-style shops. Out in groups of four, the Marines remembered to watch out for each other, and made sure that a positive image of the Marines Corps and America was displayed.
"Liberty in Lima was a refreshing change of pace from what we've been doing. This was a great opportunity to experience Peruvian culture and recharge, and now we're ready and looking forward to finishing the mission," said Sgt. Jason Kelley, a SMART-T technician from Geneva, Fl., stationed in Cincinnati with Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, 4th Marine Division.
The Marines of SPMAGTF 24 arrived in Peru with the successful completion of the mission on their mind, and accomplished the goals of enhancing regional security as well as our relationships with partner nations. After enjoying liberty in Lima, they were able to take away much more from the deployment than they anticipated.
Ellie
Sgt. Justin Park
LIMA, Peru(Aug. 2, 2007) -- Their training complete, Marines of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 24 have enjoyed the chance to reflect upon accomplishing the goals of the command and more throughout Partnership of the Americas 2007, an annual training exercise in which the bond between Marines of North and South America has been strengthened.
They trained side by side with Peruvian Marines in martial arts, various field operations, marches through the desert, and even on Peruvian vessels. There were plenty of experiences to take away from Peru for these Marines, but it would have been incomplete if they didn't have a chance to see what Peruvian life is like outside of the military. Overnight liberty in the city of Lima from June 29 to July 1 was a welcome change for all of the Marines involved.
"The local restaurants were very nice, with great service and food. There were a lot of stores and shops that offered anything you could want from here. Most everything was within walking distance and along the ocean, which made for a relaxing setting. It was a great chance for us to explore Lima and see some of the sights out here," said Cpl. Brandon M. Schuster, an Electro-Optical Ordnance Repairman from Maryville, Mo., with 24th Marine Regiment Security Platoon out of Kansas City.
The Marines stayed at the Las Americas, a five-star hotel in a busy tourist area of Lima called Miraflores. While Marines appreciate the smaller things in life, long deployments and nights in the field can make these easy to forget. In Lima, these Marines enjoyed some things previously taken for granted, like hot showers, warm beds and dinner menu options. After weeks of tough training, it wouldn't have taken very much for these men to be satisfied, yet their expectations were far exceeded by the quality service at the hotel, the location, and the seemingly limitless options of places to go.
"The employees at Hotel Las Americas were very hospitable and they put forth a great effort. There wasn't a problem with language because they were so proactive about helping us out," said Sgt. Shane M. Williams, an Electrical Equipment Repair Specialist with 4th Maintenance Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group.
"I especially enjoyed the bargain shopping with the locals and the souvenirs were really interesting. The historical Nazcan artifacts were really cool and inspired me to learn more about the ancient culture of Peru and the Incas," continued the Davenport, Iowa, resident.
Those interested in expanding their cultural knowledge saw it as a great opportunity. Many Marines spent their days at the various souvenir shops, of which there were plenty. The Marines had no trouble finding excellent deals on goods for themselves or their families and some came back with enough to fill a sea bag. It was a surprising part of the culture to some that the prices could be knocked down to about 50% of what was marked after a little bargaining.
There were local restaurants where Marines could try out local meals for affordable prices, as well as such commonly known places as Tony Roma's and McDonald's for those less adventurous. Once evening came, the list of places to go expanded to a large number of exciting nightclubs and bars, as well as nightly art galleries and flea market-style shops. Out in groups of four, the Marines remembered to watch out for each other, and made sure that a positive image of the Marines Corps and America was displayed.
"Liberty in Lima was a refreshing change of pace from what we've been doing. This was a great opportunity to experience Peruvian culture and recharge, and now we're ready and looking forward to finishing the mission," said Sgt. Jason Kelley, a SMART-T technician from Geneva, Fl., stationed in Cincinnati with Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, 4th Marine Division.
The Marines of SPMAGTF 24 arrived in Peru with the successful completion of the mission on their mind, and accomplished the goals of enhancing regional security as well as our relationships with partner nations. After enjoying liberty in Lima, they were able to take away much more from the deployment than they anticipated.
Ellie