Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) volunteered for Silver Strand Elementary School's annual "Jog-a-Thon" fundraiser, Sept. 30.

The partnership between America and Silver Strand Elementary school was strengthened as Sailors volunteered to record laps, hand out water, assist in warm-up exercises, and run with the elementary school students. The event's purpose is to help promote fitness and raise money for the school and its programs.

"We're helping out a community," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Reynalentendre, assigned to America's Weapons Department. "I enjoy volunteering, especially for a younger crowd. It lets them know there are people who can see the good things they're doing in school."

Sailors were there to motivate the students as the kids ran around a track specially set up for them. Each student had to run a minimum of 36 laps to meet their goal, and, with the Sailors' encouragement, the students exceeded their goal.

"They were really motivated," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Juan Raglin, assigned to America's Air Department. "And to see how determined they were to finish strong motivated me."

The Sailors participated in the warm ups, exercises, the run, and cool downs. Their involvement in the event was well-received by not only the children, but also the school's staff.

"I am absolutely honored and delighted to have the Sailors here," said Tammy Marble, principal at Silver Strand Elementary School. "The kids are excited, and I know that it's not [their first time being] part of Silver Strand events. I would like to extend the opportunity and encourage [service members] to come out and be part of the events here at the school."

America is an aviation-centric amphibious assault ship that provides forward presence and power projection as an integral part of joint interagency and multinational maritime expeditionary forces. It will support Marine Corps aviation requirements, from small-scale contingency operations of an expeditionary strike group, to forcible entry missions in major theaters of war.

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