Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico — In a remarkable display of humanitarian collaboration, 50+ crew members with the visiting U.S. Coast Guard ship, the USCGC Waesche, joined with several members of American Legion Post 12 Banderas Bay and ANAVETS Unit 19 Puerto Vallarta to support community clean-up efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Lidia on Tuesday, October 17.
The primary focus of the clean-up project was the removal of trash, debris and fallen trees from bike paths and walkways in Parque Lineal Rio Pitillal. Aimed at restoring the park’s infrastructure, enhancing public safety and reinvigorating a sense of community well-being, these efforts provided much-needed support in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
Patrick Lauzier, a member of ANAVETS Unit 19 Puerto Vallarta, and his wife Lluvia, were among the enthusiastic volunteers who joined the case. “We were very happy to help and the support the community that we all share,” said Patrick.
“Waesche’s crew appreciated the opportunity to support a community that frequently hosts U.S. Coast Guard [ships] for port breaks during patrols,” said Captain Robert Mohr, captain of the USCGC Waesche.. “We heard about the impacts from Hurricane Lydia, and the crew was extremely eager to lend a helping hand. I would also like to thank the American Legion and the City of Puerto Vallarta representatives who made us feel very welcome throughout our stay in Puerto Vallarta”.
Profe. Luis Michel, Presidente Municipal, Gobierno de Puerto Vallarta, expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the captain and crew of the USCGC Waesche, recognizing the kindness and generosity of their efforts.
In recent years, visiting U.S. Coast Guard ships and the local American Legion post, American Legion Post 12 Banderas Bay, commanded by Jesse Cole Rivera, have supported dozens of projects aimed at improving quality of life for local residents. Back in April, American Legion Post 12 Banderas Bay donated a dozen crutches, several wheelchairs and 161 cases of medicine to Cruz Roja Mexicana in Puerto Vallarta. Earlier in the year, they also donated 500 toys and 100 chickens to DIF, to help the local government support underprivileged families in Puerto Vallarta on Día de Reyes.
Post 12’s tireless dedication to supporting the community that we all share has been a strong testament to their stated values of service and sacrifice and sit well with Puerto Vallarta’s spirit of unity and inclusion.