15th MEU Reaches Out to Guam Community

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Peter Lewis
Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

June 8, 2010 - DEDEDO, Guam (NNS) -- Twenty Marines and Sailors from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), attached to USS Peleliu (LHA 5), visited a children's summer camp in the village of Dededo, Guam June 7.

The children were taking part in the Dededo Mayor's Drug-Free Summer Program that focuses on giving kids alternatives to using alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

The unit sought to promote an active and healthy lifestyle by participating in sports activities and games with the children during the event.

"Whenever we have port visits, it's important to get out in the community and give something back," said Cmdr. David Schilling, chaplain of the unit. "Being a Marine unit, we all work out pretty frequently, and we think that good health and fitness is something we could come out and share with the kids."

According to Joanne Cepeda, the summer camp's program and event coordinator, the children were very excited to have military members come out to exercise with them.

"They were thrilled when I told them that this event was going to occur," Cepeda said. "They have been very enthusiastic and energized while playing with the Sailors and Marines. I have never seen them so excited to exercise!"

The children took part in a variety of activities to include basketball, soccer, races, kickball and an obstacle courses. The kids also had the opportunity to learn about the different jobs held by the Marines and Sailors in the unit.

"I really enjoyed interacting with these kids," said Sgt. Abel Pequeno. "I think they had a lot of fun and learned a lot from us. Hopefully, they continue with a healthy lifestyle, and maybe one day, some of these kids will be future Marines or Sailors."