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MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - At the age of 13, “Corporal” Jared
Kula reported for duty in front of Combat Logistics Battalion 3, May
14, 2014, to receive his very own set of cammies from Lt. Col.
Justin R. Reiman, the unit's commanding officer.
Kula and his
family visited the islands May 10 through 16, 2014, for a myriad of
special activities, including a luau, private surfing lessons, and
the fulfillment of his wish — to visit Pearl Harbor.
The
Saegertown, Penn., resident, who has wanted to be a Marine like his
mother for as long as he can remember, got his chance through
coordination by Make-A-Wish Foundation chapters and Marine Corps
Base Hawaii personnel.
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Cpl. Cameron Releford, a training noncommissioned officer,
Transport Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, helps
Jared Kula put on a Kevlar and flak jacket at CLB-3's workspaces,
May 14, 2014. The 13-year-old, who has ulcerative colitis, wished to
come to Hawaii to visit Pearl Harbor. Make-A-Wish Greater
Pennsylvania and West Virginia granted his wish, and through
coordination between Make-A-Wish Hawaii and Marine Corps Base
Hawaii, Kula also spent a day with CLB-3 doing activities and
touring Marine Corps Base Hawaii as an honorary “Marine for a Day.”
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Kristen Wong with title added by USA
Patriotism!)
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During a Waffles and Wishes event hosted by the
Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and Virginia chapter, on
World Wish Day, April 29, Kula's family found out they would
be going to Hawaii, according to the chapter's website news.
In addition to his mother, Kula has multiple relatives
in the military.
He learned of a fallen sailor from
Dec. 7, 1941, who shares his last name, and wanted to see it
on the wall at the USS Arizona Memorial, though it is not
known whether they are related.
Although Kula's
initial wish was to visit Pearl Harbor, his mother, now-Air
Force Staff Sgt. Lori Scott, security forces, 171st Air
Refueling Wing, told the foundation staff about her son's
dream of being a Marine. In addition to Marine reservists
from Truck Company, 25th Marine Regiment presenting him with
an honorary “Marine for a Day” certificate in Pennsylvania,
Make-A-Wish Hawaii staff made arrangements for Kula's visit
to MCB Hawaii.
Scott, who previously served in the
Marine Corps for two years, called the events “completely
overwhelming.”
“This has made his whole trip,” Scott
said. “He wanted to see Pearl Harbor, but he had no idea
about this until we got (to the islands).”
Make-A-Wish Foundation America is an organization with
multiple chapters worldwide that support children who have
life-threatening illnesses by making one wish come true for
them.
“It is great to see so many Marines come
together to make such an unforgettable day for Jared,” said
James Donnelly, the director of development at Make-a-Wish
Hawaii. “I was happy about the amount of people who were
able to see the joy on Jared's face and share the power of a
wish.”
Kula was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis
three years ago. Ulcerative colitis is a digestive condition
in which the intestines are stricken with ulcers. People of
all ages can be diagnosed with this disease, which has many
side effects, including skin lesions and loss of appetite.
Although there is no cure, the negative effects of UC can be
reduced through different treatment. Kula must undergo
monthly infusions, avoid certain foods and take strong
medication that his mother said people consider as intense
as chemotherapy.
But his condition took a backseat so
he could experience his dreams.
“(The trip's) just
been so fantastic for him, he's been on cloud nine,” said
Barbara Scott, Kula's grandmother.
Combat Logistics
Battalion 3 welcomed its newest Marine with an early morning
run and series of exercises, followed by a special formation
where the commanding officer welcomed Kula.
Kula's
day was filled with activities, including, but not limited
to, touring facilities, operating a crane, meeting a
military working dog at the Provost Marshal's Office,
visiting the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trailer and
watching an amphibious assault vehicle demonstration.
On a scale from one to 10, Kula gave the day a “20.” He
said the best part of the day was meeting the Marines.
“It's an honor to be a part of this,” said Staff Sgt.
Jonathan D. Feliz, S-3 training chief for Headquarters and
Services Company at CLB-3. “There (are) always people out
there (who) are less fortunate. Just to be able to give back
and partake (in a) kid's wish means a lot to me and
especially to the Marines involved today.”
More photos available in frame below
By U.S. Marine Corps Kristen Wong
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2014
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