KORAT, Royal Kingdom of Thailand -- Marines and sailors participating in Cobra Gold 2011 visited Thamrapakorn Home for the Aged Feb. 12 as part of a community relations project through the chaplains office.
Approximately 20 Marines and sailors went to Thamrapakorn Home for the Aged for the 10th community relations project of Cobra Gold 2011.
Cobra Gold is a regularly scheduled joint/combined exercise in the continuing series of U.S./Thai military exercises designed to ensure regional peace.
Thamrapakorn Home for the Aged has been the home to elderly people throughout Thailand for almost 50 years.
The program now provides shelter, food and medical treatment to more than 100 residents at no cost.
“The program is funded by the government for people over 60 years old,” said Bunleaim Tuewsuantnung, the program director.
“They have no one to look after them, and the government sees that elderly people need support.”
Marines and sailors brightened the day of many elderly men and women by having conversations with them, singing and dancing.
Many of the service members also prayed with individual residents who asked for prayer.
To show their support to the Thamrapakorn Home for the Aged, the chaplains office donated numerous boxes of men and women’s clothing, shoes, house ware and hygiene products.
“It was a great experience,” said Lance Cpl. Stephen Marts, a refrigeration mechanic for Marine Air Control Squadron 4. “It’s good to see that even in other countries people are still willing to help those in need.”
After serving lunch to the residents, Marines and sailors refurbished some of the physical therapy equipment and did some grounds maintenance to liven up the appearance of the Thamrapakorn Home for the Aged.
“We really appreciate what the Marines and sailors are doing,” said Tuewsuantnung. “Just coming here to pray and spend time with them was more than enough.”
After spending only a few hours with one another, many of the residents, Marines and sailors were sad to say goodbye. Chief Petty Officer Amalia Rodriguez, a religious program specialist for Marine Aircraft Group 12, told the Marines and sailors, “It might not mean a lot to you, but it means a whole lot to them. In the future, we’re going to be in their shoes, and I would really appreciate it if some Marine or sailor did the same for me.”
By taking a couple hours out of their Saturday morning, these Marines and sailors made a difference by warming the hearts of people who may not have sons, daughters or grandchildren to do the same.