United States Marines Visit Cambodia

According to the U.S. Marines, there was a planned port visit to Cambodia for members of the U.S. Navy and Marines. Members of the 31^st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Command Amphibious Squadron 11 and USS Essex arrived in port recently. Cambodia is located next to Thailand and Viet Nam, and due to its location near the equator, is actually in the tropics.

The purpose of the visit was to give dental and medical care to citizens of Cambodia that do not normally have access to a doctor. They were also there to work on engineering projects, work with youth, deliver supplies, and talk with officials. Over 2,500 military personnel showed up for the event, and supplies such as clothes, toys, and books were brought in to help out.

"Over the course of the next week, Marines and Sailors coming from the Essex will conduct two medical and dental clinics, build two bridges and participate in six community relations projects," said Colonel John Mayer, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit commanding officer. "We will also (teach at) the National Defense University to help students with English and to understand our military forces."

The military members that are located in Cambodia have been given a budget for their work in the amount of $26,000 for building material, $2,000 for community events, and $10,000 for medical needs.

Military leaders and Government official talked and discussed the possibilities that could come from the goodwill of this visit.

The Cambodian U.S. Embassy deputy chief of mission, Piper Campbell, mentioned how this one visit would encourage a deeper friendship with the U.S. that will get stronger with more visits.

One of the pluses of the visit is that Cambodian citizens will have the opportunity to meet with the U.S. soldiers and get to know them better as people.

Campbell thanked the governor of Sihanoukville and the Government as a whole for helping to make this event happen, and Colonel John Mayer said he was grateful to be given the chance to come to the area.