SAN DIEGO - Sailors from Naval Base Coronado (NBC), along with base Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher E. Sund, volunteered by helping prepare and serve food to more than 600 of San Diego’s homeless citizens at St. Vincent de Paul Village on April 24 during a NBC “force-for-good” initiative. They also led children in outdoor recreational activities.
The monthly program organized by the NBC Chaplain’s Office enables Sailors to proactively serve and impact their surrounding community.
St. Vincent de Paul Village is the largest rehabilitation program for the homeless in San Diego, meeting the needs of 851 men, women, and children living at the Village each day.
For some Sailors, volunteering offers an opportunity to show that they are not only willing to help defend the country, but to also serve less fortunate citizens in the local community.
“I love being a part of this because it gives me a chance to show my commitment to my country in a different way,” said Master-at-Arms Seaman Elma Sebastien. “Not everyone here knows entirely what the Navy is about. Our taking part in this brings these folks a new level of understanding … They see we are committed to them on a personal level.”
Many of the homeless in attendance expressed their appreciation for the Sailors' efforts.
For one homeless veteran, who requested not to be named, the experience was a personal one.
“These Sailors represent the best of what our country is and it makes me feel proud to see them. When you see someone in that uniform, you see someone who cares and wants to make a difference.”
For more information regarding volunteer opportunities, please contact the NBC Chaplain’s Office at (619) 545-8213.
For more information regarding Naval Base Coronado, please visit http://www.cnic.navy.mil/coronado/ or http://www.facebook.com/navalbasecoronado.