U.S. Naval Forces, 5th Fleet Public Affairs

Courtesy Story

By Petty Officer 1st Class Brianna K. Dandridge

MANAMA, Bahrain - The Southwest Asia Chief Petty Officer's Association from Naval Support Activity Bahrain purchased and donated much needed equipment for mentally and physically disabled students at the Regional Institute for Active Learning School Oct 15.

"Helping disadvantaged children get adequate medical care as well as an education is worthwhile," said Chief Petty Officer William Hammond, a religious program specialist. "This community relations program has been a great success."

This project has made a big difference in the lives of underprivileged children. The chiefs donated two new wheelchairs and one walker for students with physical handicaps valued at $4,000.

"The families were really touched by the gesture," said Christine Gordon, director of RIA School. "I am so grateful to the chiefs because there was such a great need for the equipment."

The chief petty officers association sponsored a karaoke night in the chief's mess to help raise money to buy the equipment for the school.

This donation is just a small part of ongoing efforts to support the school by the chief's association. "Members of the chief's community volunteer at the school weekly," said Hammond.

According to association president Chief Petty Officer Thomas Butler, a navy career counselor, helping the children of the RIA School is beneficial.

"What a great way for the chiefs to show their spirit. Today we show that the chief's mess is committed to helping the community."

The RIA school is a non-profit special needs school and houses approximately 100 students of varying educational and physical abilities.

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