112/17/03
Celebrities and students recognize BLT Weapons Company Marines and Sailors
By Sgt. S. K. D'Alessio
Official Web site of the US Marine
Corps.
CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan -- A company of 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special
Operations Capable) Marines gathered together for yet another mandatory muster,
Jan. 31. The occasional and all too familiar "I wonder what this is all
about" and "How long this will take" phrases floated around the
Palms Non-Commissioned Officer's Club.
Even when they found out one of their fellow Marines was going to be promoted
to corporal, and the sound of congratulatory claps died down, the atmosphere
was still uncertain. Everything came into focus though as their company executive
officer began to read a letter from hip-hop star, Busta Rhymes, who along with
dozens of other celebrities thanked the entire company.
The room quickly became animated as Marines of Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion,
4th Marine Regiment Weapons Company received dozens of letters from Operation Interdependence™, a civilian-run morale system that recognizes service members
for their dedication, patriotism and sacrifices.
The program was founded more than a decade ago by Albert Renteria, a retired
Chief Warrant Officer 4 and Gulf War veteran, who builds service member's morale
by coordinating the mailing of care packages with letters, sports clippings,
videos, games, grooming aids and magazines. Each of these items help to brighten
the spirits of literally tens of thousands of service members every year.
The program's aim, according to his motto, "The most we can do. The best
they can be," is to help keep America's deployed Forces well trained and
on the line by assisting America in supplying, preparing and posting care packages
to our heroes overseas.
"I realized during the Gulf War there was no real effective process that
managed care package deliveries to our Marines," said Renteria. "Working
there and taking part in developing reach back capabilities gave me a great
perspective on how best to launch OI™. All of this experience and seeing how
packages raised morale is why I started the program.
"The cost right now averages to be about $3.80 a bag. I'd like to get that
cost down and not put more than a dollar or two worth of stuff in there, Renteria
added. Service members aren't worried about getting a gallon Zip Lock with ten
pounds of candy in it. Give them something that's not going to weigh down their
packs more than they already are, a plastic baggie with a card and some little
stuff."
Similar to an average Marine Corps mail call, Weapons Company Marines and Sailors
were called up one at a time to receive their small plastic bag "c-ration."
Each one sprouted a smile when they received it and read their letter aloud.
The packages contained letters from American high school students and music
stars and celebrities who attended this year's American Music Awards. Some of
the well-known artists were from such bands as 3 Doors Down, Busta Ryhmes, Paula
Abdul, Missy Elliot and Matchbox 20.
The program's 40,000 volunteers have shipped more than 30,000 bags, or "c-rations,"
to the legions of American military members across the globe. Some of them contain
toothpaste, candy, coffee packets and pictures as well as colorful letters from
patriotic students.
"Getting something like this lets me know we're here for something –
that we have a purpose," said Cpl. Julio Muniz, a 22-year-old Caeuas, Puerto
Rico native and rifleman. "We work for their freedom and every thought,
especially a letter, really motivates us and tells us that we are appreciated."
A real sense of companionship spread throughout the room as feelings of patriotism
and a sense of recognition filled their hearts. The Marines and Sailors of Weapons
Company were called to attention by their leaders and filed out of the room,
back to their work spaces and barracks. This time though, with a little more
enthusiasm, a touch more patriotism and a stronger sense of sentimentality to
their cause, knowing America was behind them all of the way.
"It's a lot tougher being out here, extended and all," said Lance
Cpl. Matthew W. Ricci, a 21-year-old Cumberland, Mass. native and rifleman,
"But getting letters and care packages like this means more to me than
what's in the plastic bag – it's a little piece of home."