Students Adopt Platoon In Japan Where Mattituck Grad Is Stationed

MATTITUCK, NY — Students in Mattituck-Cutchogue school district adopted a platoon and shared some love across the miles recently with a local graduate stationed far from home.

To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day of Service, several student organizations in the district led a monthlong school-wide service project to honor service men and women overseas, "who volunteer their lives for American freedom," school officials said.

To bring the project close to home, the students adopted the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit out of Okinawa, Japan where Mattituck-Cutchogue alumnus Matthew Ireland is stationed. The platoon consists of 31 men and three females; once the items were collected, the students personalized boxes for each platoon, the district sai.

Members of the school’s Community Service Organization/Interact Club, Leo Club and SADD Club, in partnership with the Brookhaven Veterans' Association and the Town of Southold's Youth Bureau launched Adopt A Platoon; the kids collected items to support platoons stationed on Navy ships in the Pacific Ocean.

Items collected included nonperishable food and snacks, toiletries, recreational games, stationery supplies and magazines.

"This community service event brought the school and community together, served as a reminder to the students of the importance of giving back and supported the district’s commitment to honor those who serve in the military," the district said.