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Guam sailors help clean up sister village
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Posted on Feb 15 2012
SANTA RITA, Guam-Sailors assigned to the various commands attached to U.S. Naval Base Guam partnered with the Agat community during a village cleanup on Feb 11.
“We started this seven years ago and what we do is invite all of the community, the different organizations and of course our military friends,” said Agat Mayor Carol Tayama. “It’s really great to get everyone to come together and make our village beautiful and make our village clean.”
Volunteers and island residents from the village along with sailors arrived at the Agat mayor’s office early that morning, and after being split into groups by Tayama, they set out into the community.
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Aaron Eaton, who is assigned to the Mobile Expeditionary Security Group 1 Det. Guam, said it’s important for the military not only look out for their own interests, but the interests of the local communities as well.
“We’re here to help, be more involved with our sister community,” Eaton said. “We were told that they needed help and were here to answer that call. Everything [in Agat] is worth preserving or we wouldn’t be here.”
Ronnie Malveaux, a pastor at the Apostolic Deliverance Center in Agat, who also happens to be an NBG firefighter, had an invested interest in the cleanup because his church is located right in heart of the village across from the mayor’s office. Malveaux said he appreciated all the support the military gives to the community.
“We want to keep our island beautiful, and to be stationed here in Guam is actually a plus for being in the military,” he said. “I’m sure they understand that if you want something beautiful, you have got to keep it clean and you have got to maintain it.”
After the cleanup, volunteers enjoyed some great food that Tayama and a few others had set out for those involved in the beautification effort. Volunteers sat down together and enjoyed company of their friends, family and other organizations who came to Agat to show their support.
“I think it’s very important that we socialize and get together,” Tayama said. “The military always comes with their assistance, and every year we have a good turnout and we really appreciate all the efforts they provide for us.” (Corey Hensley)
