Articles

Airmen support Girl Scouts with Guam school renovation project

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
AGANA, Guam --  Guam Girl Scouts were assisted by more than 100 Airmen from Andersen Air Force Base to accomplish a fence painting project at Machananao Elementary School May 30 and June 6.

Andersen Air Force Base Troop 046 first introduced the project to the Top Three, a non-profit organization ran and supported by senior noncommissioned officers. The Girl Scouts asked Andersen for volunteers, donations and supplies.

The Junior Girl Scouts then introduced the plan to the principal at the elementary school.

"When we were first approached about this project, we were taken aback and truly humbled by the dedication of these girls who spearheaded the project," said Robert H. Malay, Machananao Elementary School principal. "The school is very good structurally, but our [school family] appreciates what they have done."

Once the Girl Scouts had their supplies, volunteers assisted in scrapping the rust off the fence the first weekend and completed the painting project the following weekend.

Tech. Sgt. Michael P. Moulton, 525th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons expeditor, a deployed Airman from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, was among the Airmen who assisted in painting the fence June 6.

"I enjoyed the opportunity to volunteer and show the local community that we are here to help in little ways like this," Sergeant Moulton said. "I hope, by our volunteering, it shows the local community we appreciate their support."

The Junior Girl Scouts worked hard to accomplish this project and were excited to do something for the community.

"It feels great because we're doing something helpful," said Sevi D. Fundalewicz, 10, Guam Girl Scouts Andersen Air Force Base Troop 046 Junior Girl Scout and daughter of Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Edward J. Fundalewicz, Mobile Mine Assembly Unit 8 yeoman at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, Guam. "We wanted to be helpful to the school because the fence was rusty."

Mr. Malay observed the task and was impressed by the difference the newly painted fence made.

"The kids really like coming to school," Mr. Malay said. "The fence is the first thing you see. It'll speak volumes to the teachers, parents and students."

After planning the community service project from start to finish and each Junior Girl Scout providing at least 15 hours toward the project, the girls of Troop 046 earned the Bronze Award, the highest award given to a Junior Girl Scout.

"I am extremely proud of our girls," said Melissa L. Underwood, Guam Girl Scouts Andersen Air Force Base Troop 046 troop leader and wife of Master Sgt. Thomas P. Underwood, 554th RED HORSE Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems section chief. "They worked very hard for the last few months planning, and then completing the project.

"They will now have a sense of accomplishment every time they go by the school and see the newly painted fence, as will all of the Airmen who volunteered," she said. "We would also like to thank all the Airmen who took the time to come out and help our girls."

Volunteers who assisted the Girl Scouts included Airmen assigned to the 554th RED HORSE Squadron, 644th Combat Communications Squadron, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, 525th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.