Photo Information

Lt. Arthur Briggs, the chaplain with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa Logistics Combat Element, receives an award on behalf of the Marines and sailors volunteering at Castello di Lombardia in Enna, Sicily, during a community relations project on April 22, 2016. Marines assist local areas in various projects to build relationships with the Sicilian government and people. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander Mitchell/released)

Photo by Cpl. Alexander Mitchell

Marines restore castle, local community

27 May 2016 | Cpl. Alexander Mitchell 2nd Marine Logistics Group

More than 25 Marines and sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa Logistics Combat Element, volunteered their time to clean up garbage and overgrown grass at a local castle, Castello di Lombardia, April 22, 2016.

Community relations play a valuable role for SPMAGTF-CR-AF LCE in developing and maintaining a close relationship with the Sicilian government and its people.

“While here in the home of the Sicilians, we show appreciation as guests,” said Capt. Arthur Briggs, the chaplain with SPMAGTF-CR-AF LCE. “We help them through community relations projects by investing our time and energy to help better the island for them.”

In previous rotations, SPMAGTF-CR-AF LCE has done many community relations for various parts of Sicily and its people, and Briggs plans to continue them as often as possible.

“It is a unique opportunity to help preserve the heritage of the Sicilian people by going to well-known places and cleaning up the area,” said Briggs.

The castle dates back to the 4th Century B.C. Castello di Lombardia in Enna, Sicily is a frequently visited site and museum. Marines completed 182 total man hours cleaning up the historical site.

“We hope to continue to forge and foster our relationship,” said Briggs. “Caring for the culture and being friendly builds the spirit of America and Sicily by loving your neighbor.”

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