Last modified Wed., July 12, 2006 - 06:09 PM
Originally created Thursday, July 13, 2006

USS John L. Hall Helps Panamanian Orphanage

From USS John L. Hall

Sailors from USS John L. Hall visit with children at the Hogar Malambo orphanage in Panama. Volunteers spent their port visit painting one of the dormitory buildings at the orphange. Photos courtesy of USS John L. Hall

While on a routine port visit in Panama, 31 crewmembers of USS John L. Hall volunteered their time and efforts to Hogar Malambo, an orphanage dedicated to children up to 17 years of age.

Hogar Malambo has been open to orphaned or abandoned children since 1890 in Panama, 15 minutes away from Panama City, and relies on the good will and grace of the community.

Sister Lourdes, the Head Sister, welcomed the crew warmly and with open arms. After many greetings and thanks, it didn't take long for the real work to begin.

The project involved painting one of the dormitory buildings that housed 23 children ages 2-5.

The building consisted of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room and living room. The crew tackled the task with fervor and was able to complete the painting of the large house in a matter of hours.

With the unexpected size of the volunteer force, other jobs like organizing storerooms, yard work and painting old furniture were taken care of as well. The wonderful ladies and men of the local chapter of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars made the crew's hard work lighter. The VFW provided some wonderful lunch meals and drinks for the crew.

Although painting the interior of the entire house was a strenuous effort for all, the crew displayed boundless energy, taking time to play with the children during breaks.

The children were so excited to have 31 volunteers shower them with treats and attention. Jim Gusweiler, the PACE Instructor onboard the ship stated, ''This is the most precious age where the children are such cherubs. I am so glad to have this opportunity to be of service to those in need.''

USS John L. Hall participated in a community service program known as a COMREL Project (community relations project).

It is a chance for ships to improve and uplift the community during their port visit.

SK2 Ervin said, ''At the end of the day, everything we have done is worth something. We got a chance to come out here and help people who really need our help.''

Being able to give these children a newly painted dormitory and to play with them was indeed the greatest reward the crew could have received for their efforts.