IMAGE OF THE DAY

U.S. military service members and a Philippine Army officer huddle together, each bearing a toy for distribution Jan. 20. The symbolic gesture commenced Operation Goodwill Delivery II. "These donations are just what the elementary school children need, and we are happy to accept them", said Chaplain Luis Macaday, Philippine Chaplain Service General Headquarters. Okinawa, Japan-based U.S. Marines will distribute more than 25,000 pounds of clothes, food, health care items and sporting goods to Negros, Leyte and Legaspi communities throughout the Philippines, Jan. 20-22, during the second phase of this year's annual "Operation Goodwill Delivery". The U.S. Marines, service members, and their families in Okinawa created this program in 2003 to show appreciation to the children and families of the Philippines for welcoming them during annual bilateral exercises. The U.S. Marines work each year with their families to gather donations and then deliver toys and supplies to Filipino children over the holiday season. (PRESS RELEASE with U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. RamonaMarie G. Penala)