SANTA RITA, Guam – Service members helped kick off the holiday season by volunteering at the Guam Chamber of Commerce 19th annual Christmas Festival at Skinner Plaza in Hagatna, Guam, Nov. 26.
Military personnel alongside volunteers from businesses and non-profit organizations helped children decorate cookies and cupcakes, write letters to Santa, and ride the holiday express train.
“The military have supported us in this capacity, not only because it is an island-wide community event, but because it is their way of sharing their pride for our island, and their commitment to teamwork and unity on every level,” said Kris Lujan, the festival co-chairperson. “They were there in the planning stages, logistical setup and breakdown, and came out strong in terms of the manpower and support we received on event day. We could not have had such a successful event without their support.”
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/AW) Shivonne Willoughby, of U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Guam, organized the hospital’s volunteer staff and was excited to take part in the annual holiday celebration.
“I think the event is a good thing because it really brings the Christmas spirit since the weather really doesn’t change here,” she said. “[Volunteering] does make you feel like you have family even though you may not know everyone intimately. You feel like you’re at a family function.”
Hospitalman Corpsman Seaman Recruit Deandre Redmond, of USNH, echoed Willoughby’s sentiments and shared why he decided to volunteer at the island festival.
“I’m very family-oriented so when I heard there was a Christmas opportunity going on and families were going to be joined together, it felt like it would bring me closer together and remind me of my family,” Redomond said.
Dozens of parents and children wrote letters to Santa, visited Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Toy Shoppe, decorated cookies and cupcakes, took a spin on the holiday express train, and enjoyed entertainment from various local groups. The highlight of the night came as attendees counted down to the lighting of the Christmas tree towering over the plaza.
The Guam National Guard (GUNG) set up their rock wall for attendees to climb during the event. Capt. Melvin Pilarca, of the GUNG Counterdrug Program, said he was thrilled to see great participation from the local and military communities.
“We’re definitely doing better this year and the last few years helping out the community a little more in any event,” he said. “Definitely all of us here today is showing that the military is not just all guns and bullets, we’re here to help the community out.”
Though far from home, Hospitalman Corspman Seaman Recruit Dene Brown, of USNH, said she was pleased to see families spending time together and the response from the community made it worth her time to volunteer.
“The local community gives a lot to the hospital and to the military,” she said. “I think it’s a great idea and it helps with camaraderie here on the island to give back and it’s wonderful to see the kids happy and excited.”
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Gunnery Sgt. Jamie Hernandez, of Marine Forces Pacific (Fwd) Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, said volunteering helped his family grow closer together as they are away from loved ones.
“My family and I have been so fortunate that the Marines sent us here it because helps us build a stronger relationship and it helps us reach out the community and make long-lasting friends here,” he said.
Chief Utilitiesman (SCW) Miguel Fernandez, of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40, agreed with Hernandez and added why he thinks it’s important for service members to volunteer.
“It allows us to bring the holiday spirit to others when we’re out there giving that compassion,” he said. “Getting out there and volunteering helps break the isolation some feel when they’re deployed and away from home. It brings us the satisfaction that we’re still part of the holiday spirit.”
