Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines Volunteer During Habitat for Humanity: A Brush With Kindness Event

Photo By Giselle M Christmas | 180524-N-FI539-003 NEW YORK (May 24, 2018) Fire Controlman Aegis Third Class Ernesto Alvarado and Electronics Technician Second Class Alonso Maese, both stationed aboard USS Mitscher (DDG 57), tape paper to the floor at the Brownsville Senior Center prior to painting it, May 24. Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen volunteered their time to help clean up the facility as part of Fleet Week New York. Now in its 30th 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Giselle Christmas/Released)  

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES

05.24.2018

Story by Chief Petty Officer RJ Stratchko 

Navy Region Mid-Atlantic

NEW YORK – Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines all came together to help with the Habitat for Humanity, 'A Brush With Kindness', program, May 24, at the Brownsville Senior Center in Brooklyn during Fleet Week New York.
The service members volunteered their day cleaning and painting various parts of the center.
According to Jennifer Schwein, Vice President for Volunteer Services for Habitat for Humanity, the A Brush With Kindness program is an extension of the work done by Habitat for Humanity.
"We can't do a lot of construction here in the city, so we try to revitalize community spaces and give them new life with new coats of paint, murals, repairing playgrounds and landscaping," she explained.
The day's activity carried a personal connection for at least one of the volunteers. Prior to joining the Marines, Corporal Jessenia Ramirez grew up on Long Island, not far from the Brownsville community.
"I love being here to help rebuild my city," said Ramirez. "You don't have to be in uniform to help out."
The work the volunteers do is invaluable to the Habitat for Humanity organization.
"It's fantastic to have the sea services here in the city," said Schwein. "We love to see them coming into the community and helping out. The work they do and the energy they bring is very powerful."
FWNY, now in its 30th 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.

• Date Taken: 05.24.2018
• Date Posted: 05.25.2018 11:21
• Story ID: 278468
• Location: NEW YORK, NY, US