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36th HCOS Airmen, mayor’s staff paint Agat bus stops

  • Published
  • By Alana Chargualaf
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs

Nearly a dozen Airmen and family members from the 36th Healthcare Operations Squadron partnered with Agat Mayor’s Office staff to paint two bus stops in Agat, Guam, March 20-April 17, 2021.

After clearing debris and laying a fresh coat of paint, the volunteers illustrated a series of symbols representative of the greater 36th Medical Group and the historical mark left by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The effort was coordinated through the Andersen Air Force Base Sister Village Sister Squadron program, which serves as an avenue for squadron members to collaborate with island residents in activities that bolster their friendship and immerse Airmen in Guam’s community.

Agat Mayor Kevin Susuico appreciated the squadron members spending quality time in his village while lending a much-needed hand to his staff. Mayor Susuico and his team prepared local dishes and hosted a luncheon for all to enjoy when their hard work was finished.

“It’s always a very big help for us to get any kind of partnership. With a small staff and extra volunteers, it always goes a long way,” Susuico said. "We’re extremely thankful that we continue this partnership, and we look forward to other projects ahead with our sister squadron.”

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandie Bleess, 36th HCOS family health technician, was happy to participate. She contributed the bus stops’ designs.

“I love that I was able to leave my mark here on Guam and help the community. I hope the kids like it. Maybe it will spark something in them to be like, ‘Oh, wow. Maybe that’s something I would like to do,’” Bleess said. “I’m so grateful for the food, too. I just want to say thank you so much. This was really a wonderful opportunity.”

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jamie Cornett, 36th HCOS commander, thanked Susuico for the support he and the Agat residents have given to his squadron members, as many of them will call Guam home for the next few years.

“I think these [events] are important so we are able to connect with the folks of Agat. This is a way for us to tie into the community and really make it home for that time that we’re here,” Cornett said. “We’re happy to help and hope we can do a lot more in the future.”

The 36th HCOS and broader Andersen AFB community remain committed to cultivating local partnerships as they lead ready teams with the support of the local community.