Service members participate in Project Hope during Fleet Week New York

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Preston | 160528-N-AX638-023 NEW YORK (May 28, 2016) Coast Guard Yeoman 2nd Class Kathleen Leslie, attached to Sector New York, interacts with a child as a part of Project Hope at Times Square Church during 2016 Fleet Week New York (FWNY), May 28. FWNY, now in its 28th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tyler Preston/Released)  

NY, UNITED STATES

05.28.2016

Courtesy Story

Navy Region Mid-Atlantic

Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cathrine Mae O. Campbell, Fleet Week New York Public Affairs

NEW YORK (May 28, 2016) -- Sea service members had a wonderful opportunity to participate in Project Hope at Time Square Church (TSC) in Manhattan as part of 2016 Fleet Week New York (FWNY), May 28.

The annual event paired Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen with homeless children between the ages of 6-14 who live in a family shelter in the Bronx.

“We started this (Project Hope) about 10 years ago as a way to reach out while the sea service men and women were in town for Fleet Week,” said Dr. William Butler, a physician and volunteer coordinator for Military Ministry. “That’s when we came up with the idea of a community service project.”

Service members in attendance were invited to watch the Kids Praise Choir of TSC perform. Afterwards, children were able to have a Q&A session with a member from each branch of service.

“We don’t know their backgrounds,” said Lt. Gary George, a Marine inspector at Coast Guard Sector New York. “This is something that’s different for them and their normal daily routine. This isn’t about us, it’s about the kids here and making the most of the day so maybe they’ll have a memorable experience.”

Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Kailee Gulley, assigned to USS Bataan (LHD 5) hopes that the visit will leave a lasting and positive impression on the children.

“I know what it’s like to not have a home when you’re so young and impressionable,” said Gulley. “To have that one person in your life that you’re going remember can inspire you to be something greater than what you’ve been given. That’s the ultimate blessing.”

Butler echoed the sentiment and feels the interaction also brings the children hope for the future.

“It was a wonderful chance to give these children an opportunity to meet somebody in uniform that has really done something significant in their lives for the good of other people,” said Butler. “(The event) brings them hope that they can do something really positive with their lives.”

FWNY, now in its 28th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity to for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.

For up-to-date information on all Fleet Week events, visit the official Fleet Week New York website at www.fleetweeknewyork.com, "Like" FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, and "Follow" @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. Fleet Week New York photos can be viewed on Instagram at www.instagram.com/fleetweeknyc and Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/fwynpao. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC.

• Date Taken: 05.28.2016
• Date Posted: 05.29.2016 15:20
• Story ID: 199432
• Location: NY, US