KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE, Thailand -- Marines and sailors aboard Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand taking part in exercise Cobra Gold 2010, visited Narisawat welfare Protection and Vocational Training Centre for Women here in Thailand Feb. 10.
The visit to Narisawat welfare Protection and Vocational Training Centre for Women is part of the ongoing relationship with the U.S. and Thai community relations project headed up by the chaplains office.
“We have gone there in the past,” said Lt. Commander Denis Cox, chaplain for Marine Aircraft Group 12. “We choose the places we visit that we have already established relationships with them so there is trust.”
Cobra Gold 2010 is a regularly scheduled joint/combined exercise in the continuing series of U.S.-Thai military exercises designed to ensure regional peace and strengthen the ability of the Royal Thai Armed Forces to defend Thailand or respond to regional contingencies.
A total of 19 Marines and sailors went to Narisawat welfare Protection and Vocational Training Centre for Women on what was the ninth community relations project of Cobra Gold 2010.
Narisawat welfare Protection and Vocational Training Centre for Women was established in 1966 to provide spiritual rehabilitation, vocational training and non-formal education for disadvantaged women so they are able to reintegrate into society to earn an honest living and to prevent women from being lured into prostitution.
There were about 150 young ladies at Narisawat welfare Protection and Vocational Training Centre for Women between the ages of 8-18.
“They were really excited to see us,” said Lance Cpl. Claudia Guerrero, embarker for MAG-36. “It means a lot to make a difference in their lives for at least one day.” Making a difference is what Cobra Gold 2010 is all about on and off base.
Col. Robert Brassaw, commanding officer for MAG-36, as well as Korat Royal Thai Air Force commanding officer, Group Captain “Rocket” Chatarasopa, joined in the project.
“For him to go along and participate was important,” said Cox. “It says this is really important for everybody.” The Marines and sailors were encouraged to interact with the young ladies to demonstrate the ambassadors that every service member eventually becomes while over seas.
“We got to participate in some traditional games,” said Guerrero. “It’s a good feeling to see what the world is like.”
Although the community relation projects that take place only last a few hours at most, the impact of the good will given will last a lifetime and may just be a defining moment in one fortunate person’s life.Marines and sailors aboard Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand taking part in exercise Cobra Gold 2010, visited Narisawat welfare Protection and Vocational Training Centre for Women here in Thailand Feb. 10.
The visit to Narisawat welfare Protection and Vocational Training Centre for Women is part of the ongoing relationship with the U.S. and Thai community relations project headed up by the chaplains office.
“We have gone there in the past,” said Lt. Commander Denis Cox, chaplain for Marine Aircraft Group 12. “We choose the places we visit that we have already established relationships with them so there is trust.”
Cobra Gold 2010 is a regularly scheduled joint/combined exercise in the continuing series of U.S.-Thai military exercises designed to ensure regional peace and strengthen the ability of the Royal Thai Armed Forces to defend Thailand or respond to regional contingencies.
A total of 19 Marines and sailors went to Narisawat welfare Protection and Vocational Training Centre for Women on what was the ninth community relations project of Cobra Gold 2010.
Narisawat welfare Protection and Vocational Training Centre for Women was established in 1966 to provide spiritual rehabilitation, vocational training and non-formal education for disadvantaged women so they are able to reintegrate into society to earn an honest living and to prevent women from being lured into prostitution. There were about 150 young ladies at Narisawat welfare Protection and Vocational Training Centre for Women between the ages of 8-18.
“They were really excited to see us,” said Lance Cpl. Claudia Guerrero, embarker for MAG-36. “It means a lot to make a difference in their lives for at least one day.” Making a difference is what Cobra Gold 2010 is all about on and off base.
Col. Robert Brassaw, commanding officer for MAG-36, as well as Korat Royal Thai Air Force commanding officer, Group Captain “Rocket” Chatarasopa, joined in the project.
“For him to go along and participate was important,” said Cox. “It says this is really important for everybody.” The Marines and sailors were encouraged to interact with the young ladies to demonstrate the ambassadors that every service member eventually becomes while over seas.
“We got to participate in some traditional games,” said Guerrero. “It’s a good feeling to see what the world is like.” Although the community relation projects that take place only last a few hours at most, the impact of the good will given will last a lifetime and may just be a defining moment in one fortunate person’s life.