Story by Ensign Alina Ellis, USS Leyte Gulf Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. - Sailors assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) were recognized by Michael Ivy, Berkley Community Center special projects supervisor, and Capt. Juan Orozco, Leyte Gulf’s commanding officer, as outstanding volunteers at a volunteer appreciation event on Nov. 6.
Berkley Community Center hosts an after-school enrichment program, which assists 72 students in kindergarten through fifth grade through tutoring, academic support and homework assistance. Each week, Sailors dedicated their time to mentor and tutor the students in math, science, social studies and English; they also provided assistance with the community center’s basketball program.
Ivy and Leyte Gulf volunteers have been working together to coordinate the support efforts. Ivy recognizes that the Sailors play a vital role in providing the students an incentive to excel.
Operations Specialist 2nd Class David Sole volunteers regularly at the community center, tutoring a group of eight third graders.
“I volunteer for this program to be a mentor and teacher to the students,” said Sole. “Sometimes all these kids need is a different perspective to understand a specific topic that they were struggling with.”
"I enjoy being a role model to these students,” said Gas Turbine Systems Technician 3rd Class Chaz Randall. “Community centers were am important part of my childhood; this gives me a chance to give back. There is no greater feeling than knowing that my contribution is making a positive impact in the lives of others.”
The involvement with the community center has had a positive impact on the Sailors, who take immense pride in Leyte Gulf helping their community.
“I have been very impressed with the number of Sailors who volunteered to participate in this after-school program while we are in the shipyard,” said Orozco.
“I strongly feel that this is a testament to the core values of our Navy Sailors and their desire to make the community a stronger place.”
Leyte Gulf is currently completing a maintenance phase, following a six-month deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Operation.
| Date Taken: | 11.06.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2015 12:52 |
| Story ID: | 181912 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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