ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE BASE TINDAL, Australia -- Marines who volunteered to work at the Kintore Street School during Exercise Southern Frontier 2005 received an appreciation award at the school, Sept. 7.
This year the Marines were invited back so the students of the Kintore Street School, a school for physically handicapped children, could express their gratitude. The students, in the nearby town of Katherine, received help from several service members of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 who volunteered their time to help erect a flag pole and build a parking lot.
Presenting the Marines with a few mementos of their visit to Katherine, the Kintore Street School principal, Nicky J. Bird said, “This is a thank you for what you did last year."
Help from the Marines was important because the school does not have enough hands to make improvements or repairs.
"There are just things that would have taken us a long time to do. We don't have parents who come and help us because there are only a few children," said Bird.
Lt. Cmdr. Brent D. Johnson, Marine Aircraft Group 12 chaplain coordinated the community events last year and accepted the award, pictures and a flag on behalf of the Marines. He explained how interaction with the locals is important to build a friendly relationship.
"Here in Australia I think it's more important because they stereotype the Marines as fighters and drinkers," explained Johnson who is native of Portland, Ore. "Then they see the Marines working with the kids and helping the community, it does two things. It gives them a better picture of the Marine Corps and inspires the locals.”
Johnson said that many Marines find working with the local community a rewarding experience. "Some Marines just like seeing the kids smile. They are 'just doing this for the kids', and you hear that comment a lot. Some are just proud to point to that playground and say 'I made it better.'"
“All the appreciation we needed from last year, we got from just doing it. This is just extra but it is nice,” said Cpl. Karl A. Schweiger, VMFA-212 F/A-18 plane captain and native of Houston.
Students from South Katherine Preschool also joined for a “sausage-sizzle” and to share in an afternoon of fun. The preschool benefited from the Marines clearing grass and debris away last year, so a playground can be built. Teachers from both schools were glad to hear the Marines and sailors plan to return later this month to build the new playground, finish up some work on the parking lot and clear away debris from a dead tree in the school yard.
"Thank you so much, for just coming here and being here and being a part of us," said Bird. "We're combined in so many things between Australia and America. This is just a little place in Katherine, we are sort of in awe that you guys are coming here and you have time to spend with us."