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Bonhomme Richard Sailors, Marines Team Up for Community Projects in Thailand

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091106-14
Release Date: 11/6/2009 4:25:00 PM

By Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

PHUKET, Thailand (NNS) -- A group of 27 Sailors and Marines from USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), Amphibious Squadron 7, the 11th MEU and USS Ingraham (FFG 61) visited the Baan AoBor Nam School in Phuket. Participants helped the school by painting and repairing cafeteria tables.

"I think it went great," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Eric Rosales, a participant in the project. "We were all pretty motivated to help these kids out."

A second group of volunteers from Bonhomme Richard's First Class Petty Officer/Staff Sergeant Mess and Second Class Association painted the exterior wall at the Baan Sai Naam Municipal School in Phuket.

"I wanted to do something that made me feel good about myself and try to make a difference," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class Belter Calderon. "I feel good and am glad that I did it."

The third community service project took place at the Ban Bangthong School in Kathu, where 28 Sailors and Marines spent the day repainting playground equipment.

"I just wanted to do something different, see more of the country and actually interact with the people and local community," said Lance Cpl. Julia Antonelli, assigned to the 11th MEU's Combat Logistics Battalion 11. "This seemed like a good opportunity."

At all three projects, volunteers were treated to a traditional Thai meal for lunch, while the school children performed various music and dance selections. More importantly, they had the opportunity to interact with the children, pose for pictures and share smiles.

"Painting the playground equipment was nice because you could actually see an end result of what we did," said Antonelli. "The kids were already playing on it before we left so it was really cute to see that they cared about what we did for them."

Michael Massey, Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Patong Beach, who helped coordinate the community service projects, was appreciative for all the work the volunteers accomplished.

"I'm delighted that the Sailors and Marines, who have limited time ashore, donated their time to help out," Massey said. "I hope people don't underestimate [the work that was done]. It helps improve the school children's self-esteem and provides a better environment. All the people here are a credit to themselves, their country and their service. I hope they get a whole lot of satisfaction out of this. It is a wonderful thing they're doing."

"If I had to convince a shipmate to take part in a community service project, I would tell him or her that it's a great opportunity to help people around the world, and that at the end of the day you feel great for what you have done," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Jose Hernandez.

The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group is transiting the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.