Residents at the River Oaks assisted living community received a visit from Marines and sailors from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, May 23.

The Single Marine and Sailor Program hosted the visit, which included a barbecue in honor of the Memorial Day weekend.

Food and drinks were provided by the program for participating service members and residents.

"Everyone here is thrilled to see the Marines visit," said Richard George, a spouse of a River Oaks resident. "It really gives the residents a chance to show their appreciation for what the military does."

Each year the SMP visits the assisted living community during Valentine’s Day and Memorial Day. During Valentine’s Day, service members greet residents with roses and participate in a lunch.

"It’s important to participate in events like these because everyone in the Beaufort area knows who we are— there’s no hiding— they see our motivation slogans on our vehicles and our haircuts. But when we actually go out into the community and volunteer for events like these, it allows them to know who we are as people and it shows that we care about the community," said Cpl. Brad Bullman, Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 aviation ordnance technician and native of Langhorne, Penn.

Managers in the SMP are currently coordinating with personnel aboard Parris Island to give residents at the River Oaks community an opportunity to witness a Marine graduation.

"Allowing the Marines and sailors to interact with the residents at River Oaks gives them a chance to reflect with someone else who has served their country while also seeing how much of an impact their service has on others," said Benji Pangelian, SMP assistant manager and native of Yigo, Guam.

The Single Marine and sailor Program is open to all single parents, geographical bachelors and unmarried service members. For more information about the about the SMP contact 228-7405, or visit Afterburners aboard the Air Station or the Brig and Brew on Parris Island.