An early spring day saw 20 members of the 3rd Battalion 11th Marines and Combat Logistics Battalion-7 from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center out in force in the community assisting senior and disabled homeowners with yard work in coordination with Reach Out Morongo Basin. In what’s become a semi-annual tradition, the Marines pruned trees and bushes, cleared yards, and performed small chores and maintenance. Managing editor Tami Roleff has more on this Reach Out’s “neighbors helping neighbors” program…
Organized by Chaplain Mark White and Religious Program Specialist 2 Dwight Richardson of 3/11, the Marines helped nine senior, disabled and veteran homeowners with chores to help keep them living safely in their homes in Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, and Twentynine Palms. Jody Godden of Joshua Tree had a group clearing, pruning and raking in the rear yard of his home. “I am so very appreciative of the help that these young service members gave me. As a service disabled veteran, there are a lot of things I can’t do any more and knowing that they are there to help people in our community is wonderful.” In Twentynine Palms, senior homeowner Betty Ellis said the Marines were just wonderful doing the things she can no longer see to do. From shoveling and moving dirt, pruning trees and bushes to weeding and raking, these young men did it all with a big smile and giving hearts.
