MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam -- Dededo, Guam – On September 26th, Marines, and civilians with Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz participated in a village beautification initiative with the installation’s sister village – Dededo. This community relations (COMREL) event was aimed at fostering a mutual understanding between the people of Guam, military personnel, and their families. As part of the Joint Region Marianas' Sister Village program, COMRELs enable units to develop community connections, reinforce organizational values, and strengthen the military and federal government’s relationship with the local community.
This month’s focus was on environmental stewardship and project good neighbor where designated areas of the village were identified for trash pickup, road upkeep, and sign and landmark painting.
“I live not too far from here” said Gunnery Sgt. Marcellous Dixon, company gunnery sergeant, Headquarters Company, MCB Camp Blaz. “It’s rewarding to see the positive impact of the work we’ve done today and to witness it every day moving forward.”
Throughout the day, Marines collaborated closely with Mayor Benavente’s staff, covering more than half a mile of village area. “We appreciate the Marines' willingness to come be a part of the community, we are neighbors after all” said the honorable, Paul Benavente, Mayor of Dededo.
Dededo is Guam’s second largest village by land area, and the first largest by population with nearly 50,000 residents who benefit from COMREL efforts. Up next, Camp Blaz Marines look forward to engaging with the village’s manåmko’– or elders – at the village’s community center.