Marines prepare to make remote deliveries

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Lee
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  As part of the "Toys for Tots" program, Marines from Delta Company, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, 4th Marine Division departed Elmendorf today to deliver holiday cheer to 13 remote Alaskan villages. 

This marks the 13th year the Marine Reserve unit has made the trek into the Alaskan wilderness. Their mission: to put smiles on the hundreds of children who anxiously await the arrival of Santa Claus- who for this trip-has traded his sled and reindeer for a Marine C-130 Hercules and a team of snowmachines. 

To prepare the unit for these trips, two Marine instructors from the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California came to Alaska to conduct intensive winter survival training, ensuring Company D Marines had the skills needed to conduct the remote deliveries safely. 

"From a training aspect, this trip into remote Alaska gives the Marines an excellent opportunity to put their winter-survival skills to the test, allowing them to gain confidence in themselves and the use of their equipment," said Maj. William Allen, Delta Company Site Commanding Officer. 

Gunnery Sgt. Jason Milbery, the 2008 program coordinator, lists his involvement with the program as one of the top five experiences of his entire Marine career, but at the same time describes the preparation for the remote deliveries as the most hectic six weeks he has ever experienced. 

"Manpower has been a particular challenge this year," he said. "Figuring out the most efficient way to accomplish toy pickups with available personnel required detailed planning." 

Founded in 1947, the Toys for Tots program has delivered more than 370 million toys to 181 million children since its inception. Today, Marine Corps Reserve Units collect and distribute an average of 16 million toys to 7 million children each year. 

Leader for the McGrath insertion team, 1st Sgt. Marvin Magcale, said he expects the 82-mile snowmachine trip from McGrath to Nikolai to put their winter-survival skills to the test, especially as they experience subzero temperatures. He added that we get a deep sense of accomplishment after completing such a trip. 

"The kids in the villages have everything they need to survive but when we, someone from outside the village, show up and start handing out toys to the kids, you can see the appreciation in their smiling faces," said First Sergeant Magcale. 

After the toys are distributed, the Marines get to spend time with the children participating in games and other activities. First Sergeant Magcale said he really enjoys getting to know the kids and uses the time with them to provide mentorship and guidance. 

"The response from the local community has been phenomenal," said Major Allen. "Even during the current economic climate, Alaskans have stepped up, and their generosity has made this year's drive a total success." 

Lance Cpl. Gregory Bell offered testament to the generosity of Alaskans. While working one of the donation events, an individual approached him and remarked that "when he was a child, if it weren't for Toys for Tots, he would not have had any toys at Christmas." He said that now as an adult with a good job, he wanted to give back to the program. To Lance Corporal Bell's amazement, the individual presented him with a $500 cash donation. 

Major Allen explained the program in Alaska is unique in that it's truly Alaskans taking care of Alaskans, and it highlights the unparalleled relationship the military has with the Alaskan community. 

"All donations made, stay here in Alaska," he said, "and through the Toys for Tots program the Marines are afforded the opportunity to deliver gifts to their fellow Alaskans." 

The monumental efforts of the Marine Corps coupled with the generosity of the people here has provided the Toys for Tots program the ability to reach as many Alaskan children as possible. As Lance Corporal Bell puts it, "Every kid deserves a Christmas."

For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.