Last modified Wed., February 07, 2007 - 07:22 PM
Originally created Thursday, February 8, 2007

VP-5 visits the Pecorino Institute

VP-5 Public Affairs

Sailors assigned to VP-5 play with children at the Pecorino Institute, a Sicilian school for handicapped children Jan. 31. VP-5 provided the institution with supplies, games, and toys as part of a voluntary community relations project. VP-5, homeported in Jacksonville, is forward deployed in support of maritime security operations and the global war on terrorism. Photo by MCSN Harry Rucker III

The "Mad Foxes" of VP-5, based out of NAS Jacksonville, paid a visit to the Percorino Institute, a Sicilian school for handicapped children, Jan. 31.

Eleven Sailors participated in the community relations (COMREL) project that provided the institution with supplies, games and toys for the children who attend there. Erio Pappalardo, liaison and translator for the institution, says that deployed patrol squadrons have been volunteering there since 1962.

"The school has benefited greatly from VP-5 and other squadrons over the years, not only with construction done to the building but also with time spent with the children," said Pappalardo. After an introduction to the staff and coffee, traditional Italian hospitality, the Sailors of VP-5 set out to greet the children with new toys and games.

PR1 Barbara Strahl, who coordinated the COMREL project said, "It was a wonderful experience; I enjoyed the reaction of all the children when they received all their toys. I can't wait to go back." The Sailors spent over three hours with the children entertaining and being entertained.

IS3 Joshua Predieri said, "I was speechless, just to see how excited these kids were to receive the toys we brought them."

Sailors from VP-5 regularly spend their free time during deployment volunteering for various COMREL projects. VP-5 is forward deployed in support of maritime security operations and the global war on terrorism.