Personnel at U.S. Navy Forward Operating Location Comalapa joined efforts with Project Handclasp to carry out a community relation project at the Padre Vito De Guarato Orphanage in San Salvador June 27. Project Handclasp is a U.S. Navy program designed to collect and distribute donated items to people in need. 

The program relies on donations from individuals, organizations and corporations and then collects such items as medical supplies, toys, books and hygiene items. These items are then transported worldwide with the assistance of U.S. military transports, such as U.S. Navy ships and U.S. Air Force planes. FOL Comalapa raised donations among command personnel, including FOL military permanent party, U.S. contractors, Sailors from Patrol Squadrons (VP) 10, 40, 5 and 4 deployed to the FOL, and PAE’s Salvadoran employees. The donations will help pay for food items and extra supplies.

The group also donated two Project Handclasp pallets of miscellaneous items, including personal care items, food and medical supplies.

Padre Vito De Guarato Orphanage is home to 138 children with special needs. Kids were preparing for the Special Olympics due to be held mid-July in El Salvador, said Angelica Cruz, social worker at the orphanage. Most of their funds are received through donations and fundraisers. FOL Comalapa’s primary mission is to provide logistical support to aerial counter-drug aircraft and crews from U.S. military and government law enforcement organizations. However, a secondary mission includes local aid activities such as Habitat for Humanity and projects like Project Handclasp.

Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Chelsey Herndon, a Sensor One with VP-40 CAC 10, and Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class AE1 Brett Edwards, assistant officer in charge for FOL Comalapa, agreed it was a gratifying experience to give financial and moral support to our host nation and children of the orphanage.