WASP JEA volunteers at local food bank

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

10.19.2012

Courtesy Story

USS WASP (LHD 1)   

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) J. C. J. Stokes
USS Wasp (LHD 1) Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. – Sailors from the Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) volunteered at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Race for the Cure in Virginia Beach, Va.

In an effort to serve their community and to provide moral support for participants of the race, Wasp’s JEA put some stinger power toward the fight against cancer.

“We wanted to help get the Wasp’s name out there and to show our community that we stand with them in their fight against cancer,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Arlena Johnson, JEA volunteer coordinator. “It was an honor to have been a part of this event representing the Navy, Wasp and JEA. People were coming up to me and thanking me for being out here and how it meant so much to them to see service members out here running and volunteering.”

This year’s race, now in its 13th year, was held during a special day for U.S. Navy Sailors all across the globe-the Navy’s 237th birthday.

“Today is a good day for Sailors being out here,” said Senior Chief Personnel Specialist Cory Duran, a participant and Wasp Sailor. “The fight against breast cancer and all forms of cancer is a good cause. I am glad I was able to participate in this race for all those who have battled and are battling cancer while celebrating the birth of the Navy. It is pleasing to see junior Sailors from my ship out here taking an active role in serving the community and volunteering for a good cause. ”

Senior Chief Duran and other chief petty officers participated in the race at the request of Command Master Chief C.J. Mitchell, Commander Navy Reserve Forces Command. CMC Mitchel wanted local chiefs in the area to celebrate the Navy’s birthday by supporting the breast cancer event.

Another Wasp Sailor participating in the race for the cure was Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Randal Smith and his wife Angela, a breast cancer survivor.

“I am here to support my wife who has battled breast cancer twice,” said Smith. “For my wife to be here with me with today is just overwhelming. There is a tremendous amount of support out here today and to just being able to be a part is something that we will continue to do.”

According to Smith and his wife, this was their first race for the cure and they were glad they had come.

“This was a big eye opener,” said Angela Smith. “Just to be in an event with people who know what you went through or are going through was a humbling experience. One of the highlights of the events was during the race Randal saw Sailors from Wasp cheering on the participants from the sidelines. It meant a lot to both he and I that his shipmates were out here to show support for all those who have been affected by cancer.”

• Date Taken: 10.19.2012
• Date Posted: 10.19.2012 14:47
• Story ID: 96468
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US