Feature Search

Lending a helping hand

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Robert Hicks
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ASAN BEACH, Guam --  36th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons personnel cleaned Asan Beach Dec. 7, as part of their Weapons Day of Caring in rememberance of the attacks on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941.

The Airmen chose Asan Beach because of its historical ties to World War II, and the fight to regain control of the island.

"Dec. 7, 1941 carries a lot of significance to the weapons community," said Senior Airman Justin Mills, 36th MXS. "Therefore, PACAF made the decision it wasn't just a day to be celebrated in Hawaii, but throughout the command's area of responsibility. We decided to come to the location that provided the most military relevance to Guam, and that's this beach."

Dec. 10, 1941 the island was surrendered to the Japanese. The Asan area was secured on July 21, 1944, but it took until Aug. 10, 1944, to eliminate all organized resistance on the rest of Guam.

For some Airmen, this wasn't only a way to remember the attacks of Pearl Harbor, but a way to give back to the local community.

"It is important to let the local community know, as servicemembers, we care about this island," said Staff Sgt. Raymond Edgerson, 36th MXS. "As Airmen we should do everything we can to help maintain it and keep the beaches as clean as possible."