Thirteen Marines and sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, participating in the city’s 2010 Fleet Week, visited the San Francisco General Hospital and Medical Center Oct. 9.
“Their visit was surprising,” said Gaby Diaz, a San Francisco resident and mother. “By coming out and seeing the kids and visiting with us, it was something nice of the Marines and sailors to do.”
Diaz was with her 2-year-old son, Anthony, seeking a medical check-up.
The amphibious warriors, who sailed from San Diego into San Francisco Bay Oct. 6 aboard USS Makin Island, spent time visiting with various care centers within the hospital.
The 11th MEU visitors were able to visit patients in the geriatric center, the nursery and pediatrics.
“I think the attention is good for the patients,” said Marti Paschal, the hospital’s director of administrative operations. “It’s reassuring to see our people in uniform and have them interact one-on-one and know they care, especially enough to come and visit.”
As the service members walked the halls, staff, patients and visiting family members thanked the Marines and sailors for their dedication and service.
“I believe we are all serving; we just serve in different ways,” Paschal said. “Whether it’s here in the hospital or in the armed services, we were thrilled and honored to have you all here today.”
The hospital staff was thankful for the Marines’ and sailors’ visit, explained Paschal. The hospital would love to see the Marines and sailors visit again in the future.