HONOLULU – In celebration of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, volunteers from the Coast Guard, Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Police Department, and Oahu community came together to support literacy at Kalihi-Waena Elementary School Friday.
Kalihi-Waena students started their morning with Green Eggs and Ham for breakfast. Afterward, more than 50 guests from federal, state and local government offices, the University of Hawaii, local businesses and Coast Guard read books to the students and answered questions about their jobs.
“This program is a community event that we love to participate in,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard Coughlin, event coordinator for the Partnership in Education Program from Coast Guard Personnel Services Support Unit. “There are fire trucks, police cars and our own Coast Guard boat that all help make this a group effort for the children.”
Students toured a 25-foot Response Boat – Small, from the Maritime Safety and Security Team Honolulu, a police car from the Honolulu Police Department, and a fire engine from the Honolulu Fire Department.
“On a day-to-day basis we work with many of these people, from all the agencies, to solve issues that arise on or near the water,” said Capt. James Koermer, Coast Guard Base Honolulu commanding officer. “By working together in an informal basis, it allows us a better opportunity to understand each other better.”
For nearly 20 years, the Coast Guard has supported programs at all levels of education in order to enhance educational opportunities for students while working to enforce traditional values, personal initiative, responsibility and individual self worth.
