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FOL Comalapa Brings Joy to Orphanage in El Salvador

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080324-16
Release Date: 3/24/2008 3:27:00 PM

From Forward Operating Location Comalapa, El Salvador Public Affairs

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (NNS) -- Service members from Forward Operating Location (FOL) Comalapa carried out a community relations project March 14 at the "Hogar Vito Guarato" Orphanage on the outskirts of San Salvador.

Members of Patrol Squadron 46, Patrol Squadron 9, Consolidated Maintenance Organization 2, and U.S. and Salvadoran contractors raised over $3,500 to buy donations for the orphanage, which takes in children who are disabled either physically or mentally.

The donated money paid for needed items such as socks, wash cloths, detergent, powder milk, and some money even went toward help paying the orphanage's utility bills. Some of the money also paid for pizza, juice boxes, and a clown for the children's entertainment.

"The event turned out to be spectacular," said FOL Comalapa Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Carlos Gomez. "I was pleased to see so many volunteers from the FOL's permanent party, U.S. contractors, Salvadoran employees and especially the patrol squadron detachments who made the event so special to the orphans."

FOL Comalapa has conducted several community relations projects within the last few months, including building new homes with the Habitat for Humanity program, and delivering Project Handclasp medical supplies and hygiene items to local residents in need.

"Keeping a good relationship with the local community is vital," said Chief Master-at-Arms Felix Truett. "The U.S. Navy works side by side with the Salvadoran government out of the FOL fighting the 'War on Drugs' together. U.S. Navy service members stationed out here consistently display a very positive image as ambassadors of the United States as well as U.S. military members who continue to reach out to their community around them."

FOL Comalapa's primary mission is to provide logistical support to aerial counter-drug aircraft and their crews from U.S. military and government law enforcement organizations and to promote Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) like community relations projects in the El Salvador area. TSC also includes military-to-military interaction and bilateral training opportunities.

The FOL is under operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO). As the Navy component commander for U.S. Southern Command, NAVSO oversees maritime operations throughout Latin America, including exercises and deployments; counter illicit trafficking support, and Theater Security Cooperation events.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.