Naval Base Guam Helps Protect Kids Through Project KidCare

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Corwin Colbert, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

HAGATNA, Guam (NNS) -- Sailors from U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) Security joined volunteers from local organizations and Guam Police Department (GPD) to protect children through Project KidCare held on Guam June 26.

The project has been held on Guam for the past 14 years and is a national child photo identification and safety education program, which provides parents with a free identification booklet with the child's photograph and vital statistics. The objective of Project KidCare is to increase awareness about the issue of missing and exploited children and to educate parents and children about the ways they can protect themselves.

This is the third year NBG Security has participated in the project. Sailors helped register children and take their height, weight measurements, and fingerprints.

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Christopher Helmer said he and his team volunteer to support the program because they wanted to do their part in protecting all children as well as to be a part of the community.

"I think it's real important to be here; first to show our faces to the community and also to help these children get registered," Helmer said. "It's really important to protect children from crime."

Officer Anthony Quichocho from GPD has volunteered for the project for eight years.

"I am here with the U.S. Navy police and they have been very helpful," Quichocho said. "I know quite a few of these guys, so it was nice to see their faces. We are all one community and must work together to fight against crimes against children."

John Ruane, of Yigo, said he is happy that Guam is once again offering the project.

"I do this every year," Ruane said. "I am glad I get a chance to update my child's information. It's scary with all the abductions going on in the states. I want to make sure my child is safe."Quichocho estimated 300 to 500 children will sign up this year and said the project has been effective on Guam in returning abducted and lost children back home safely while also catching and locking up perpetrators.