U.S. Marines visit special needs children at the Munting Tahanan Ng Nazareth children's home in Angeles City. Photo by LCpl. Shane A. Austin, USMC

Humanitarian Assistance
In Crow Valley, U.S. Marines assisted the Aeta, an indigenous tribe whose people fled the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991, to settle in the valley near an area the AFP uses as an artillery range. About 25 U.S. Marines and sailors passed out food, clothes, and toys to the 110 Aeta families living in the area. "This was a great opportunity to lend a helping hand," said U.S. Navy Lt. Peter Fremont-Smith.

The children lined up and the U.S. Marines passed juice and snacks out to each one. Then, the Marines gave food, clothes, and shoes to each person in line. "After they got their bag of rice, several said they felt they were rich," said U.S. Marine LCpl. Joe Lunsford. "It was a great feeling to see how their faces lighted up when we gave them the food and clothes."

Many of the school children invited the Marines into their school to dance with them and see their school, a 20-person tent. "We talked with several of the children and learned some of their language," said Lt. Fremont-Smith. "They can teach us a lot about life and simplicity. I think most of the Marines will walk away changed in some way by this experience."

"Our Philippine Air Force counterparts were an excellent help in working with the local community to allow us to come here," said U.S. Navy Chaplain Lt. Joselito Tiongson. "Everything came together well to make this a great day for all of those involved."

Lt. Tiongson and PAF Chaplain Capt. Jerome Narvasa attended seminary in the Philippines together and have been friends since then. "We became good friends in school and from there [Capt. Narvasa] joined the PAF, while I moved to the U.S. to continue to study," said Lt. Tiongson. "We try to stay in touch, and I was happy to come here to be able to see him."

"U.S. Marine Exercise Commander Col. Gordon C. O’Neill knows that events like this are important, not only for the people of the Philippines, but also for the Marines who volunteer," observed Lt. Fremont-Smith. "So, he provides as much help as he can to support us with these events. For me, it is just a joy to come out here and help."

Archbishop Paciano Aniceto D.D., Archbishop of San Fernando Pampanga, Philippines, greets U.S. Navy Chaplains Lt. Peter Fremont-Smith and Lt. Joselito Tiongson (center) at the former Clark Air Base. Photo by LCpl. Shane A. Austin, USMC

In Angeles City, U.S. Marines and sailors spent time with kids at the Children’s Home of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. According to Lt. Tiongson, the visit offered the children and service members the opportunity to learn a little about each other while having fun at the same time. "These visits are a great way for our military men and women to learn about the country they are in." The service members joined the children for morning mass before sitting down to enjoy a variety of songs the children had prepared to sing to their guests.

"We told the children that American Marines and sailors were coming to visit them, and they have been looking forward to it ever since," said Sister Nora Alfaro, Immaculate Heart of Mary staff volunteer. "They’ve been practicing songs and dances for their visitors to enjoy today. They were all very excited about today."

Children and service members played games and sat down for lunch together. Near the end of the visit, the Marines and sailors gave toys to the children as a reminder of their new friends.

For most of the children, the visit was their first experience with Americans and one that will hopefully leave a lasting impression. "Hopefully, these children will remember this visit and the fact that they are not alone, and that people care about and love them," said Lt. Tiongson.

For 15-year-old Lorenza Sumbra, an Immaculate Heart of Mary resident, that message seemed to prove true. "I never met an American before today," said Miss Sumbra. "I heard that U.S. Marines were tough so I wasn’t sure what to think, but they have been so nice. Today has been very fun."

The orphanage is made up of 32 girls from various backgrounds and helps children of all ages better their chances of success by sending them to school. "We have children from four to 18 years old here," said Sister Alfaro. "They go to school throughout the week, and we even have one girl who has started college."