thedrifter
04-30-09, 04:13 PM
Making a difference: Yuma Marines lend a hand at elementary school field meet
Story by Cpl. M. Daniel Sanchez
Station Marines and sailors volunteered to help students at H.L. Suverkrup Elementary School hone their running, throwing, hurdling, pulling and even wrestling skills during the local school's annual field meet Friday.
The 33 service members from five squadrons here volunteered as part of the Single Marine Program's efforts to give local leathernecks opportunities to serve in the community.
"We try to work with schools the most because it's a positive influence for the kids," said Tanya Lewis, SMP coordinator. "Plus, the Marines get to come out here and enjoy themselves."
The Marines kicked off the day introducing themselves to the more than 250 third- through sixth-grade students and standing at attention as the national anthem was sung.
Afterward, the Marines took their positions as judges, score keepers and, on occasion, event participants.
"We had fun," said Cpl. Desiree Embrey, Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 fiscal chief, who worked the hurdles station, "We were down there racing with them and cheering on the ones who didn't think they could do it."
The day's events culminated in a final duel which pitted the Marines against the top sixth-grade class in a tug of war, with a special surprise from the station's aircraft rescue firefighters.
The Marines started off strong, but as more students were added to the sixth-grade team and blasts of water from the ARFF fire truck began to soak the ground, the station volunteers started losing their advantage.
In the end, the students walked away victorious, but not before getting soaked from the fire truck.
Being able to help during the field meet and play with the students was great, said Lance Cpl. Nicole Fender, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron traffic management office transportation clerk.
"I love it and I love the kids," said Fender.
The day wrapped up with a recognition and appreciation ceremony for the Marines who volunteered, with each one receiving a certificate of appreciation from the school.
"I hope the hugs and cards from the kids can help the Marines see how much this means to them," said Kris Reed, Suverkrup principal. "It gave them a special day with special people. Many of these kids will grow up remembering this day forever."
Ellie
Story by Cpl. M. Daniel Sanchez
Station Marines and sailors volunteered to help students at H.L. Suverkrup Elementary School hone their running, throwing, hurdling, pulling and even wrestling skills during the local school's annual field meet Friday.
The 33 service members from five squadrons here volunteered as part of the Single Marine Program's efforts to give local leathernecks opportunities to serve in the community.
"We try to work with schools the most because it's a positive influence for the kids," said Tanya Lewis, SMP coordinator. "Plus, the Marines get to come out here and enjoy themselves."
The Marines kicked off the day introducing themselves to the more than 250 third- through sixth-grade students and standing at attention as the national anthem was sung.
Afterward, the Marines took their positions as judges, score keepers and, on occasion, event participants.
"We had fun," said Cpl. Desiree Embrey, Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 fiscal chief, who worked the hurdles station, "We were down there racing with them and cheering on the ones who didn't think they could do it."
The day's events culminated in a final duel which pitted the Marines against the top sixth-grade class in a tug of war, with a special surprise from the station's aircraft rescue firefighters.
The Marines started off strong, but as more students were added to the sixth-grade team and blasts of water from the ARFF fire truck began to soak the ground, the station volunteers started losing their advantage.
In the end, the students walked away victorious, but not before getting soaked from the fire truck.
Being able to help during the field meet and play with the students was great, said Lance Cpl. Nicole Fender, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron traffic management office transportation clerk.
"I love it and I love the kids," said Fender.
The day wrapped up with a recognition and appreciation ceremony for the Marines who volunteered, with each one receiving a certificate of appreciation from the school.
"I hope the hugs and cards from the kids can help the Marines see how much this means to them," said Kris Reed, Suverkrup principal. "It gave them a special day with special people. Many of these kids will grow up remembering this day forever."
Ellie