Marine Receives Rare Opportunity
(May 15, 2009) |
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| CHICAGO (May 13, 2009) -- Lance Cpl. Sean
R. Padfield, hardly ever gets the chance to show his family
what he does in the Marine Corps. With Marine Week Chicago
in full swing he's taking advantage of the opportunity,
including a static display at Sears Holdings today.
Marine Week Chicago is a week-long Marine Corps-sponsored
event, which is currently underway with events scheduled
through Sunday.
Padfield, a rifleman with the Chicago-based 2nd Battalion,
24th Marine Regiment, volunteered to participate in Marine
Week Chicago to give back to his community and showcase the
Marine Corps.
“The idea behind Marine Week is great,” said Padfield, 23,
from Zion, Ill. “It's a good chance to show the people we're
not just warriors and to give back to the community.”
During Marine Week, Marines belonging to 2nd Bn., 24th
Marines and other units, in an effort to help the community
have been involved in cleaning up parks, providing vehicles
at events and handing out and serving food to those in need
within the Chicago area.
Families of the battalion have followed the Marines' efforts
and seem pleased with their Marines' contributions.
“I'm incredibly proud of what my son is doing,” said David
Padfield, Sean's father. “I don't think they get the credit
they deserve. I wish every American taxpayer could see the
quality of material the Marines work with. They're getting
their money's worth.”
The materials Marines use to accomplish their mission have
also been displayed during Marine Week Chicago. Many of the
vehicles and the equipment Marines use have been showcased
throughout the week at various locations. At these events
both children and adults were found walking through the
vehicles and handling an assortment of weapons.
“These events will answer a lot of questions for people,”
said Sgt. James Guerra, 35, the scout sniper platoon
sergeant for 2nd Bn., 24th Marines. “You can tell someone
what a job is in the Marine Corps, but to actually see it in
person is a different experience.”
Sean is hoping that brining his parents to an event will
help them understand what he does in the Marine Corps.
“Sunday my family is coming out to the show in Arlington
Park,” Sean said. “It's going to be first chance for them to
see what I do and what I used in Iraq.” | |
By Marine Cpl. Erik Villagran
1st Marine Division
Copyright 2009
Reprinted from
Marine Corps News
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