It wasn’t all play and no work for the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln during its five-day shore leave in Pattaya as sailors and marines spent part of their trip helping area seniors and orphans.
Joe Valecruz, naval attaché for the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok joined about 30 marines from the aircraft carrier at the Banglamung Home for the Elderly Jan. 8 while another 50 servicemen and servicewomen offered sports equipment and lunch at the Banglamung Children’s Home.
Students and the elderly teach sailors how to dance traditional Thai dance at the Banglamung Home for the Elderly.
Students from Muangchon Management and Technical College joined the U.S. Marines at the seniors’ home. Student representative Kasem Hiranratanapong presented the seniors with 23,000 baht in rice, water and games while the Americans offered up 15 packages of medical supplies.
Sailors take time to rake leaves and clean up the grounds around the Banglamung Home for the Elderly.
The marines also cleaned the facility, swept leaves and litter and played games with the seniors, who reciprocated with songs and traditional Thai dances. Not to be outdone, some of the sailors responded with break-dance moves.
At the orphanage, navy personnel donated footballs, basketballs and other sporting goods to the home and treated the kids to lunch.
Sailors relax with some of the youngsters at the Banglamung Children’s Home.
How many pull-ups can you do?
See – I’ve been to the Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya.
Sailors relax and enjoy themselves in the Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya.
The sailors are invited to participate in a Thai circle dance.
Seniors show off their talents with songs and traditional Thai dances.
That’s a lot of leaves that need to be raked.
The joy these people are experiencing is obvious by the look on their faces.
Chai Yo! Kids from the Banglamung Children’s Home thank the sailors for sports equipment, lunch, but most of all, a fun day.
Students from Muangchon Management and Technical College present the seniors with rice, water and games.
