MASSAPEQUA, New York -- With wide smiles, hundreds of high school students rushed to their school’s baseball field to greet Marines whose arrival left many of them in awe; this is the excitement that Fleet Week New York brings.
Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Sgt. Eli Rhodes helps a young child up on the pull up bar during a MAGTF demonstrates at Massapequa High School in Long Island, New York. The Marines and sailors are visiting the city to interact with the public, demonstrate capabilities and teach the people of New York about America's sea services. Rhodes is a recruiter with RSS Hicksville in New York, supporting the mission of Fleet Week by providing static displays. arrived at Massapequa High School in Long Island, New York on a CH-53 Super Stallion and the MV-22B Osprey, May 26.
“Today we wanted to come out to the high school and bring a little bit of Fleet Week out to Long Island for those who couldn’t make it to the city or were too busy,” said Sgt. Trevor Speer, machine gun squad leader, Lima Company, 3th Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. “We wanted to bring them a taste of what we can show them including the [helicopters] along with the [Explosive Ordnance Disposal] Marines and infantrymen.”
Marines manning the static displays talked to the high school students and various other supporters about their jobs, showcasing the different aircraft and equipment they use.
“I think it’s important to raise awareness that Marines are an option for a large amount of students,” said Christian Euonamassa, an 18-year-old student at Massapequa High School. “Most people are initially very intimidated and scared, but once they meet you guys and see what you guys do every day, it seems more like a real option for them.”
This is one of more than 200 events taking place in New York City over the course the week. Throughout Fleet Week, 24th MEU Marines service will have the opportunity to share what they do wih the people of the city.
“My favorite part so far has to being seeing the young kids and seeing how interested they are about learning about the Marines,” said Speer. “I think it’s important to come up here because they don’t have a big military base up here; they have recruiters, but they don’t really see what the Marines and Navy do and what we can offer to them. So coming out here and showcasing that really gave them a bigger appreciation of the troops.”
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