MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Cherry Point’s Single Marine Program recently adopted Albert H. Bangert Elementary School in New Bern, N.C.
Marines with the Single Marine Program volunteered to help with their newly adopted school’s Halloween fair Oct. 28.
“I had tons of fun demonstrating how to do the obstacle course for the kids,” said Lance Cpl. Spring R. Lockmiller, an air support network operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 1.
The Marines helped with four of the many attractions at the fair including the obstacle course, the popcorn stand, cotton candy stand and the dunk tank.
“It is incredible to have the Marines here helping our school,” said Kim A. Sarver, the principal at Bangert Elementary. “I believe it is a winning situation for both sides.”
Sarver explained they have already scheduled two more volunteer events with the Single Marine Program.
“We are extremely excited for the Marines to continue volunteering with our school,” added Sarver. “We are having a reading day at the end of November and a ‘Polar Express’ day mid-December.”
The Single Marine Program’s vice-president, Cpl. Jericho A. Amante, said he was glad to volunteer at the school and see the children smiling and enjoying the festival.
“It is just a great feeling knowing the kids have a safe place where they can come and have fun,” said Amante. “I had a fun time and hope we have a better turn out for volunteers in the future.”
Sarver thanked the Marines and the Single Marine Program for all their efforts.
“I had a blast and I encourage all the Marines on base to come and help,” said Lockmiller. “It is a way to help a child and give back to your communities. The smiles on the kids’ faces made the work we did completely worth it. It’s all about the kids.”