ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE BASE TINDAL, Australia -- Marines deployed here for Southern Frontier spent the better part of their day, Aug. 29, at a local preschool improving the surroundings for the children and teachers.
Over 25 Marines ventured out to Katherine South Preschool, located in downtown Katherine, for about three hours of work and long-lasting impressions on their gracious hosts.
“I have been working at the preschool for 20 years and I have never seen a volunteer project like this ever before,” said Robyn Morris, teacher’s assistant at the preschool. “The Marines did an excellent job.”
The day began at 2 p.m. with the Marines coming in by bus, ready for what was in store for them. Morris, with a map and directions written in crayons, showed the Marines the areas around the building that needed to be cleaned up or repaired.
“We desperately needed the mildew cleaned off the sides of the preschool, and help planting shrubs and flowers, spreading mulch, pulling weeds, fixing wheelbarrows and bicycles and other small miscellaneous projects we would not be able to complete ourselves,” said Morris.
The Marines did all this and more as they broke up in small groups to tackle each task. Soon trash bags filled the area where fallen leaves and overgrown bushes had once been.
“It was great to come out here and lend a hand,” said Gunnery Sgt. Sam Perez, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, detachment officer in charge.
After the work was complete, the Marines posed for photos with the teachers so the children would be able to see the faces of the volunteers who fixed up their school.
“I enjoy volunteering anyway, but when you’re doing it for kids it makes it even better,” said Lance Cpl. Wayne Johansen, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, communications technician.
Perez agreed, adding, “I know I would want my kids to go to a nice school like this and it just gives the Marines a little extra motivation when they know they’re impacting children’s lives.”