WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Marines helped construct a playground during a volunteer event in the southeast quadrant of Washington, April 11.
Navy Lt. John Logan, Marine Barracks Washington chaplain, led a squad of volunteers from the Barracks, including Annette Conway, wife of Gen. James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
The group helped install playground framework, paint a mural, plant shrubbery, serve food, and manage some of the more than 200 volunteers.
The Marines provided crucial leadership for the completion of the project, said Tracy Monson, marketing and special events manager at So Others Might Eat, a Washington-based charity organization providing volunteers for the event.
“About half of our build captains for the day are coming to us from the Marine Corps,” said Monson.
“We appreciate their willingness to help and the fact that they all have a variety of skills,” added Monson.
“I’m really proud of the guys who came over,” Mrs. Conway said. “I think that the people in the community appreciate the fact that the Marines have the brains, they have the brawn, and they take the time to join and be part of the community.”
Between serving lunch and working with other volunteers, Mrs. Conway was able to thank the Marines from the Barracks.
“With Mrs. Conway there, that was the coolest part,” said Lance Cpl. Tristian Wright, ceremonial marcher, 1st Platoon, Alpha Company. “It shows that it starts at the very top, from General Conway down. With Marines helping, it improves community relations.”
“I feel like we are part the community,” Mrs. Conway added. “We live here. We parade here. If part of our lives are gonna be spent here, we should spend part of our lives helping the community.”
The event was planned and coordinated by KaBoom, a Washington-based charity organization. The group constructs safe playgrounds for children in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, said Lian Mah, project manager.