An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | Dec. 18, 2020

Marines Deliver Toys Across Hawaiian Islands

By 1st Lt. Bridget Glynn III Marine Expeditionary Force

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii -- Here come the Red Dragons with an aircraft full of toys. Nearly 2,000 toys to be exact.

For the second year, U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor squadron 268 and 4th Force Reconnaissance Company delivered toys from Oahu to the island of Hawaii on Dec. 11, 2020. The Marines transported 850 pounds of toys to the Salvation Army and ultimately children in need during this holiday season.

U.S. Marine Capt. Kerri Bortz, pilot, stated, “COVID-19 has placed a huge stress on families across the country and we’re proud to be able to assist the Salvation Army in bringing some much-needed cheer to these children.”

The Marine Corps’ partnership with Toys for Tots has long been known, delivering hope to less fortunate children since 1947.

U.S. Marine, 1st Sgt. Jeremy Bland, 4th Force Recon. Co. explained that as “the only reserve unit in all of Hawaii, we are the ones that are responsible for the collection of toys and distribution of toys.”

As a reserve unit, they rely on volunteers to assist in the collection. One reservist Marine volunteer, in particular, Pfc. Ryan Lake has dedicated countless hours to the program spending full days supporting the mission, 0800-2100.

While collecting toys throughout all of Hawaii, the unit took time to ensure the toys went to the facility in the most need, throughout the Hawaiian Islands. This year in particular, with current events, Kona was in need.

In line with Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army collects much-needed gifts and toys for children in need on the island of Hawaii. Toys can be stuffed, educational, or interactive to fit children up to age 12.

In total, 4th Force Recon. Co. collected and distributed 18,000 toys and purchased an additional $40,000.00 worth of toys with the monetary donations to the Toys for Tots fund.

The number of toys donated to the Kona facility will allow countless families to stress a little less during this holiday season.

The Kona Salvation Army was excited about the delivery and relieved they could assist the increased requests by families this holiday season.

“As a Marine Corps Aviation, we train to support the mission of our fellow Marines on the ground. Today we had the unique privilege of supporting our Ohana here in Hawaii,” said Bortz.

For this holiday season, the Hawaii Marines are mission complete.

CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
Twitter
341,941
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Travels to Singapore
SINGAPORE (March 16, 2023) Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, delivers a special lecture titled “Managing Strategic Competition and the Quest for an Enduring Future in the Indo-Pacific” at an event hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The IISS Special Lectures bring together prominent members and experts in order to discuss important developments in Asia-Pacific security with global and regional leaders. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon M. Smith)
March 17, 2023 - Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander U.S. Indo-Pacific Command traveled to Singapore March 14-16, 2023 emphasizing the country’s importance as a regional security partner.While there, Aquilino met with current Chief of Defence...

MQ-4C Triton Concludes U.S. 7th Fleet Deployment, Looks to the Future
In this file photo, A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton with Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19) taxis at Marine Corp Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Due to its geographic location and co-located airfield and harbor, MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely postured to provide advanced naval integration in support of regional security.
March 16, 2023 - ANDERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Operated by Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19, the MQ-4C is a high-altitude, long-endurance maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting (MISR&T) platform that complements...

Space Force Focuses on Partnerships, Spirit, Combat Readiness
The official flag of the Space Force is derived from key and central elements of the seal of the United States Space Force, presented on a black field fringed in platinum with the words “United States Space Force” and Roman numerals MMXIX (2019) below the seal.
March 16, 2023 - WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Space Force's $30 billion budget request for Fiscal Year 2024 is about $3.9 billion over what was enacted for the service in FY2023. More than 60% of the Space Force budget, about $19.2 billion worth,...

Yokota C-130 Teams Help Find Mariners Lost at Sea
The crew of the USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) transfers two mariners rescued from the water about halfway between Guam and Rota midday on Feb. 9, 2023, to a Station Apra Harbor 45-foot Response Boat-Medium for further transport to shore. The crew responded to a mayday call from the master of the 42-foot vessel Senor Dung on Feb. 8 along with other federal and local responders.
March 16, 2023 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- At 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 8, watchstanders at the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam Joint Rescue Sub-Center received a mayday call reporting a vessel taking on water between Rota and Guam...

Indonesia Investment Authority and U.S. International DFC Execute Memorandum of Understanding to Catalyze Investments in Indonesia
MoU, DFC and INA will collaborate to identify investment opportunities throughout Indonesia
March 16, 2023 - JAKARTA, U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Indonesia -- Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) and U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) have taken a significant step towards promoting economic development in...