MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- MWSS-273 helps rebuild history
The saying, “it’s better to give than to receive,” is practiced by many, but the communication Marines of Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 live by it. Once a month, the Marines donate their day to a charity of their choice.
October 22, they could be found at a church owned by the Beaufort Historical Society doing renovations. The Marines caulked doorways, window sills and corners of the drafty, historical church.
“I was contacted by the Beaufort Historical Society to tackle the task and I asked the Marines here if they would like to help,” said Gunnery Sgt. Rodney Harris, the communications chief with MWSS-273. “They are always more than happy to volunteer.”
The communication Marines have volunteered for two different projects since returning from their deployment in June.
“We volunteered for a baseball camp last month and had a great time,” Harris said. “It was great when the children got their shirts and asked us to sign them instead of the baseball players.”
To achieve mission accomplishment of winning hearts and minds in garrison and overseas, the Marines are going to have to show the good they can do for the community and show everyone they’re not just fighters, but people too, said Cpl. Oliver Perez, a radio technician with MWSS-273.
“We stay in a military town, and we understand it’s important to give back to the community,” said Lance Cpl. Charles Evans, a data technician with MWSS-273. “In some places, Marines have bad reputations for their actions. We don’t want that to happen here.”
The Marines don’t look at the charities as a chore, but as a great chance to give back.
“This is something we want to do,” said Lance Cpl. Kimberly Bizzell, a data technician with MWSS-273. “It feels good to make a difference.”