Joint Task Force-East Press Release

Seabees bring joy on Saint Nicholas Day

Joint Task Force-East
Public Affairs Office
Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base
Tel: 0040-241-608-288
DSN: 770-8288

December 7, 2007
Advisory No. 20071207-1

CONSTANTA, Romania —This year, St Nicholas employed the assistance of some United States Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FORTY. The Seabees, temporarily stationed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, laid down their tools and picked up toys animals to give to children living at four different placement centers in Constanta and Mihail Kogalniceanu. They provided the treats for the children’s shoes at the “Teddy Bear” Foundation in Mihail Kogalniceanu on December 5th, and then returned the next morning to deliver the toy animals. Afterwards, they visited the Placement Center “Micul Rotterdam” from Constanta, the Placement Center “Antonio” from Medeea and the Placement Center “Delfinul” from Agigea to deliver more toy animals.

Petty Officer Second Class Christopher Mayer was the visionary behind this idea. “We wanted to make sure these kids enjoyed this special day” Mayer said. Seabees spent a little time at each center playing with the kids, carrying them on their shoulders and making them smile. HM1 Lastuka, the Seabee carrying the children, said “I was grateful that they found so much joy from our gifts."

"This is a special time of year for us, which makes it difficult to be away from the ones we love,” said Lieutenant Brad Coleman, the Commander of the Seabees, “and today’s gifts allowed us to care for others, while we are so far from home.” To show their appreciation of the Seabees’ generosity, the children at Placement Center “Delfinul” presented hand-made souvenirs to the Seabees and sang songs to them. Ms. Ana Grecu, the director of “Delfinul” said, “It’s an honor and a joy for the kids to know that they have American military friends now. Thank you for the joy you brought to the kids in this day of St Nicholas and we hope to see you again."

For more information regarding the JTF-E please contact the JTF-E Media Relations Specialist, Ms. Alina Savu, 0040 241 608 288, email: Alina.Savu@eur.army.mil

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