Mission to Africa – Casablanca
Monday, July 12, 2010
Written by: Victoria Bonk
Desks were sanded and repaired before being painted. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Victoria Bonk
This week we had another port call and this time we were in Casablanca, Morocco. We took time to leave our mark on the city and community of Casablanca.
Thirty-eight of the Mohawk’s crew headed to a local primary school and used some good old-fashioned elbow grease to make it a better place for the children who attend school there.
Three of the classrooms were completely made-over with a bright yellow and blue paint scheme. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Victoria Bonk
The children were on their summer break so we got right to work Thursday morning. We spend the whole day fixing up three classrooms. The classrooms had faded and chipped paint, broken desks, burnt out light bulbs and needed a good sweep and swab. We started out by moving all the furniture out into the courtyard and sanding. We sanded the walls and all the desks. Some desks were in really bad shape and needed more than just sanding so we had some of the crew replacing desks tops and seats to make them safe and more comfortable for the children.
To keep things running smoothly the crew split into groups; there was the sanding and painting for the classrooms group, the desks repair group and the desk sanding and painting group. There was plenty of work to go around.
Throughout the day some crew members went above and beyond did other little things around the school. A few fixed and painted the basketball hoops in the courtyard and another group made a teacher’s desk look extra special by adding their art work to the front on it. They made a the “The Hand of Fatima” which is a good luck symbol out of wood and painted to match the colors of the classroom.
“When I first visited the school I was disheartened by what I saw and knew right then and there that I would do everything I could to help improve the conditions of the local school,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Moore, a damage controlman aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk. “I was very happy when I was given the opportunity to apply my carpentry skills by helping to repair over 30 desks, build a drawer for a teacher’s desk and constructed a decorative medallion for the front of another.”
“It was amazing to be able to help out those children in Casablanca. The look on this small child’s face when he saw the finished project was priceless,” said Ensign Patricia Ohle, the combat information center officer aboard the Mohawk. “I am really glad Mohawk was able to help the city even if it was just in one small way.”
“It didn’t hit me on how effective our work was until one of the elementary school student’s walked in and had a smile from ear to ear,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Shawn Cooper, a maritime enforcement specialist aboard the Mohawk.
Fifteen gallons of paint and seven hours later, the three classrooms were bright , brand new and ready for the start of new school year.
“It would be amazing to see the children’s faces when they come back to school next year. I can only imagine how much we improved their lives in a matter of a few hours. It’s truly and awesome feeling of accomplishment, said Petty Officer 1st Class Michelle Holzer, the yeoman aboard the Mohawk.
Keeping checking the Compass for more Mohawk updates and photos. Mohawk photos can also be found in this Flickr set.
PA3 Victoria Bonk, CGC Mohawk
Thirty-eight Mohawk crew helped clean the school. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Victoria Bonk
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You all make me proud to be an American. To see how much joy can be spread with some old fashion elbow grease. These stories bring a tough ole soldier and cop to tears. Keep up the good work!!!
As a teacher myself, I can’t tell all of you that had a part in this school project just how many lives you have touched with all the hard work, generosity and kindness shown to this community of learners and their families. It’s people like yourselves that make this world a better place for us all. Thanks from all of us to YOU!
Well done MOHAWK!
So proud of the Coast Guard and the men and women on the Mohawk!! We miss you Nathan and love you very much.
Tiffany, Austin and Andrew Singer
a little bit of paint, a little bit of elbow grease, a lot of love, makes for happy kids smiles when they come back to school!!in this hard world, where terror and pain are all around, this small token of good hearted, loyal americans makes me smile!!
Well done shipmates! As always the Coast Guardsmen and Women of the mighty Mohawk are there to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Of all the gin joints in all the world, you Coasties had to walk into this one.
Son, I am so very proud of you. You have a heart as big as Texas! I can hardly wait to hear about the Mohawk’s Mission to Africa. Tell all the crew that they are the reason this country is still free.
To all on board – have a safe trip. You are in my prayers every night.
Grandson, Love you so much, so proud of the man you have become – I always knew you would. Take care and be safe. Keep up the wonderful work you and the crew are doing. Tell the captain hello from the Texas Mom and NaNa. Talk to you later.
Son,We are so very proud of you & we love you so much. Mohawk’s crew Thank you for hard work, generosity and kindness. It so wonderful to be able to help out those children. Be safe and we miss you so much. You are in my prayers everytime. Love you, Mami.
Richard Moore, you and the crew are doing a wonderful job for the people of Africa. We want to thank ya’ll for a fine job of helping people and protecting our country.
Play it again, Mo.
HS1 Elias Gomez, We are so proud of you and the Mohawk crew! what a great way to leave a lasting impression of American values. We Love You and miss you! Arlene, Azra, and Elias Gomez
Bravo Zulu Mohawk Crew.
Hi yall! Keep up the good work! I’ve been on a cruise before but never could gather up the hutzpah to cross seas! Gregory Lugo we love you and are proud of all the work you all do!
I’m so proud of you, didn’t know you could paint but you all did a pretty awesome job. Hey son there will be some gallons of paint waiting for you when you come home again
Love you Gus.
MK2 Tomlinson
Your family is very proud of you. Your an amazing man and sailor. It’s nice that we can show our children what their father does for others. Traveling so far away creating hope for others where you are. Your sacrifice to help others and thier families is a great example to everyone including our children. Thank you for keeping your country safe as well as contributing to other countries that are not as fortunate as we are. We love you.
Tomlinson Family.
BM2 Sigarst
You rock! You make us proud Sailor to say we are USCG! We are so very proud of all that you are doing to service your country and other nations. You are truly a wonderful example to your children along with your extended family. Keep up the great work and keep smiling!
Love You Long Time
Sigarst Family
You da man. Good job and very proud of you. Such a rush to see your pic and comments, wanted to show the whole world. May have to give Good Morning America a call,lol. Love you
Crew of the USS Mohawk so proud of the work you are doing in Africa. Shout out to my son Gregory Lugo, love you, miss you and am so proud of you. Looking forward to our next chat!!
Love Mom & Marvin