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BUFFALO, N.Y. – Sailors from USS Constitution and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command participated in a community outreach project at the Food Bank of Western New York, Sept. 11.
Fifteen sailors volunteered and participated in the project to assist the organization, which is dedicated to providing large quantities of food for hunger relief organizations all across Western New York.
Mike Billoni, the food bank’s director of marketing and public relations, said the Navy’s assistance was very appreciated.
“The Food Bank of Western New York has maintained a great relationship with our military over the years,” said Belloni. “We’ve had service members come in the past and they always do a great job. We were honored to have our Navy sailors come out. We had to have this maintenance done to maintain our certification and they have been a big help doing that.”
During the project, sailors painted and cleaned different areas of the food bank’s facilities to preserve the organization’s certification by Feeding America, the food bank’s parent organization.
Chief Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician Mike Greenwood, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, said his sailors were excited to be able to take part in such a worthy project.
“Part of our culture in the EOD [explosive ordnance disposal] community is to help one another out,” said Greenwood. “We serve our country in harms way, but we also want to serve our communities back home, and this was a outstanding opportunity to do that.”
The Food Bank of Western New York provides relief for more than 100,000 needy families in Western New York including more the 39,000 children.
Quartermaster Seaman William Gillaspie, assigned to USS Constitution, said the opportunity to give back to the community was one of the reasons he joined the Navy.
“It’s great to come out here with my shipmates and help out the good people working for this organization,” said Gillaspie. “Feeding hungry people is a great cause, and we are all proud to be able to support it. “
One of 15 signature events around the country, Buffalo Navy Week is an opportunity for area citizens to see their maritime services up close, and for Sailors and Coast Guardsmen to contribute to the community. The observance of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 is a salute to all Sailors and Marines who fought gallantly in that conflict, who served in all our nation’s conflicts since then, and who are defending freedom around the world.
Visit www.buffalonavyweek.com for updated information and schedules. Information also can be found on the Buffalo Navy Week Facebook page, www.facebook.com/buffalonavyweek.
| Date Taken: | 09.11.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.11.2012 19:09 |
| Story ID: | 94540 |
| Location: | BUFFALO, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 58 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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