JSOTFP Commander delivers 3000 books to Zambo mayor

(ZAMBOANGA CITY/02 Nov 2008/Frencie L. Carreon)--United States Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTFP) Commander Col. William Coultrup on Friday afternoon (October 31) delivered some 3000 books from Books for the Barrios to Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat.

"It is an honor and privilege to donate these schoolbooks on behalf of 'Books for the Barrios' and the people of the United States. This is just one show of support to our friends in the Zamboanga area," the US Army Colonel said.

Books for the Barrios is a US-based charity organization, that began in 1981, among U.S. Navy families who were stationed in the Philippines. It has sent over seventy (70) boxes of schoolbooks to the city of Zamboanga. The boxes included mostly elementary and high school text books covering Math, English, Algebra, and Science, as well as boxes of National Geographic Magazine and novels/fiction books. All are destined for local students and/or schools with the greatest need.

"Along with humanitarian assistance programs going on across the region by the GRP, the AFP, and USAID—among others—our teamwork and friendship are making a truly positive difference for regional peace and prosperity," Col. Coultrup added.

Following the donation, the JSOTF-P Commander presented the JSOTF-P Plaque of Appreciation to the Mayor and the City of Zamboanga. The Plaque, which bears the JSOTF-P seal at the center, and seals of the U.S. Marine Corps, Special Operations Command-Pacific, Federal Bureau of Investigation, US Navy, Army, and Air Force, said, "From Colonel Bill Coultrup and all the members of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines for all your contributions to our joint effort, Thank You."

Col. Coultrup was accompanied by JSOTF-P Command Sergeant Charles Conway; and JSOTF-P Chaplain, Captain Leah Boling. Councilor Rudy Lim, and recipient school principals were also present during the simple turn-over ceremony.

Education is a key element in securing economic development throughout the world. Progress comes easily for communities where residents are well-educated and well-informed. And in appreciation for its invaluable support to the AFP and U.S. forces' shoulder-to-shoulder efforts to bring greater peace and prosperity to the Southern Philippines, America's sons and daughters in Zamboanga thought the delivery of the books to be one of the most significant ways to express gratitude. (Frencie L. Carreon)