Andersen Air Force Base, Guam -- Marines and sailors who participated in exercise Asan Fury 2013 worked hard and took advantage of the great training opportunities, some went above and beyond by donating their time off and giving back to the community.
A total of eight volunteers gave up part of their Saturday to help build earth bucket kits with Island Girl Power, a group in Guam that informs females about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
“Earth buckets are subirrigated planters that conserve both water and soil,” said Juanita Blaz, Island Girl project manager. “The design uses mainly recycled items and allows the plant to be watered from the bottom up. The plastic liner holds moisture in to keep top soil moist. Unlike other planters that need to be watered daily, these planters only need to be watered every three-to-five days.”
Building these buckets required; two buckets, a drill, a saw, rope, a funnel, zip ties and a plastic tube. According to Blaz the process involves drilling a series of small holes in the top bucket, which will allow water to run through, said Blaz. A larger hole is drilled for a pipe so the plant can be watered from the bottom up, the largest hole is cut out with a saw and used as a reservoir. Overflow holes are drilled into the side of the bottom bucket to prevent drowning the plant. The final step is placing a plastic cover over the bucket to prevent water from evaporating.
“We selected food grade buckets so that we can increase food sustainability by planting tomatoes, eggplants…, and beans,” said Blaz. Island Girl Power is hoping to build 200 kits by spring 2014. “Thanks to the help of the Marines, our total comes to nearly 50 completed earth bucket kits,” said Blaz.
Marines have a rich history on the island of Guam and the locals haven’t forgotten it.
“For the most part, Guam is still extremely grateful to the Marine Corps for their liberation, so Marines are kind of part of their extended family,” said Cpl. Sarah Mast, Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 airframes mechanic.
The event ended with Island Girl Power feeding volunteers a local Guam meal and sharing some information about local plants.
Although the event only lasted half a day, it produced plants and relationships that will grow in the future.
“Community relation events aren't just an opportunity for a Letter of Appreciation, or a chance to get out of work,” said Mast. “Marines often get a bad reputation here in the Pacific, the only way we can change it is to get out into the community and show them our good side, the protectors of the people, puppy-saving side. The military is extremely active in helping its community here on Guam, and the locals' reactions to our presence when we show up reflect their gratitude and respect.”