CHANIA, GREECE -- Marines and sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and USS Mesa Verde participated in a community relations project to help the Ecclesiastical School of Crete, June 9-10, 2011.
The project consisted of landscaping and yard work, repairing walls and cleaning up the interior of the school. The community relations project provided much needed relief to the school and an opportunity for servicemembers to volunteer their time for a good cause.
“It was good, it was my first time volunteering,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher Russell, a flight equipment technician with Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced). “I enjoyed it. It was rewarding, we got to see an aspect of this country not a lot of people get to see. I’ll come out for one of these again.”
The school enjoyed the company of the Marines and sailors and appreciated their hard work improving the school.
“We appreciate their help a lot,” said Maria Zografou, a computer sciences teacher at the school. “They have a lot of passion and they’re willing to work hard to help us out. It will be a great outcome for all of us.”
The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard the USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group serving as a flexible, formidable and potent force who continues to train and improve their capability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force.
The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission, capable force, commanded by Col. Eric Steidl and comprised of an Aviation Combat Element, Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); a Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its Command Element.
Marine Expeditionary Units are the Marine Corps’ smallest permanent Marine Air-Ground Task Force, and is comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors ready to provide immediate response to a hostile environment or crisis.