NOSC Indianapolis sailors participate in weeklong community outreach program

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Burton Eichen | Boatswain's Mate Seaman Steve Brownlow, assigned to the Naval Operational Support Center Indianapolis, poses for a photo with Marine Corps veteran Horatio Brown, June 13, at the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Indianapolis. NOSC Indianapolis Reserve sailors spent time with veterans to make their stay at the hospital a memorable one. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 John Guits)  

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, UNITED STATES

06.14.2013

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Burton Eichen 

Expeditionary Combat Camera

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Suits

INDIANAPOLIS - Navy Reserve sailors assigned to the Naval Operational Support Center Indianapolis volunteered time out of their daily agendas to visit members of the local community during the week of June 9.

While the sequestration has grounded air shows featuring the Navy's flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, NOSC Sailors found time to bring smiles to Indianapolis citizens with their presence.

Sailors came out for a night of baseball as the Indianapolis Indians faced off against the Norfolk Tides at Victory Field, June 11. NOSC Indianapolis Commanding Officer Cmdr. Robert Szemborski, who threw the first pitch to start the game, says the bond his sailors share with the community never ceases to amaze him.

"My sailors have their families, civilian jobs and the Navy to focus on," said Szemborski. "For them to turn around and volunteer their time to the community is a noble quality to display. We often get asked why the Navy is in the Midwest where there is no ocean. I give the same response 'The Navy is everywhere.'"

During the game, three sailors received a loud standing ovation by the crowd after recently returning from their deployments to Afghanistan.

"It was really good to be honored in my home state," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (AW/IDW) Cameron Anderson, from South Bend, Ind., who conducted detainee operations and external security details in Afghanistan.

"My deployment was rough. Knowing my service overseas is greatly appreciated by everyone back home made my job over there worth it."

The next stop on the sailors' community outreach tour was the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, June 13. Sailors shared laughs and stories with veterans of all generations up to World War II.

"It was heart warming to meet all the veterans," said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class (PJ) Konrad Badillo, from South Bend, Ind. "It was an honor to meet the people who paved the way for us to do what we do today. We wouldn't be here today without their service."

Armed with Navy ballcaps, lanyards and bumper stickers, sailors delivered smiles to sick and injured children at Riley Children’s Hospital, June 14. Once the children saw the Navy Working Uniforms in the sunshine-lit hallways outside their rooms, their faces filled with happiness as sailors entered.

"It's part of my nature to make children happy," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Elizabeth Lynn, a mother of six from Circleville, Ohio. "I was thrilled to meet them. Every minute we make a child happy is a moment in time where they're not sad or angry. I'd gladly go back to volunteer again."

NOSC Indianapolis sailors accomplished their mission to the local community and showed Hoosiers why the Navy is a global force for good.

• Date Taken: 06.14.2013
• Date Posted: 06.18.2013 13:45
• Story ID: 108834
• Location: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US
• Hometown: CIRCLEVILLE, OH, US
• Hometown: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US
• Hometown: SOUTH BEND, IN, US