Keesler delivers supplies, Marines launch 'Toys'
Local military continued their relief and humanitarian work last week with supply deliveries and debris removal, hosted an author and kicked off a Christmas toy drive. (4th AAB)
http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/local/13101495.htm
By MICHAEL NEWSOM
Local military continued their relief and humanitarian work last week with supply deliveries and debris removal, hosted an author and kicked off a Christmas toy drive.
As of Friday, Keesler Air Force Base personnel had conducted almost 200 different humanitarian missions in the area. Among the work the airmen have done were debris removal and dropping off humanitarian supplies at points in South Mississippi.
Keesler also hosted Air Force historians who came to collect information on the base's experiences during Hurricane Katrina. Historians also interviewed Brig. Gen. William Lord, who will relinquish command of the base on Nov. 15.
Marines from the 4th Amphibious Assault Battalion, Company A, 3rd Platoon launched their annual "Toys for Tots" Christmas drive for underprivileged children on Tuesday and received about 1,800 toy tractors from Agricultural and Industrial Product Service distributor at Sanders Tractor in Gulfport.
Members of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74, based in Gulfport, left Tuesday for deployments in Guam and Southwest Asia.
Jean Remley, public affairs officer at the base, said the Seabees are no longer doing debris removal work.
A "Salute to the Military" planning meeting was held on Nov. 1 as the base prepares for the program, which will be held on Nov. 15 in Warehouse 216.
The 27th annual salute will feature guest speaker Admiral Michael G. Mullen, chief of naval operations. Gov. Haley Barbour, Sen. Thad Cochran and U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor are expected to attend. The annual Thomas V. Fredian Community Service Award will be given to an enlistee.
The base also hosted author Margot Raven, who is collecting information for a book on the Marine Life dolphins that were given safe haven in a base warehouse.
Also at the Seabee Base on Monday, about 200 spouses, retirees and family members attended a job fare at the NEX courtyard. About 25 employers came to the base looking for workers.
Members of the Mississippi Air National Guard's 1108th Aviation Classification Repair and Depot prepared for their deployment to Kuwait. The unit will depart from Camp Shelby on Wednesday.