Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Hurt | 180618-N-AF077-0004 VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia (June 18, 2018) Capt. Sean Bailey,...... read more read more
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From USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs
NORFOLK (June 18, 2018) Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) descended upon the Hampton Roads area June 18 to take part in multiple community service events as a birthday tribute to the ship’s namesake, former President George H.W. Bush, who turned 94 June 12.
Approximately 1,000 Sailors took part in one of the largest single-day community relation (COMREL) visits in the area, representing President Bush’s famous “Thousand Points of Light” speech.
“Bush has famously championed the benefits of volunteering and giving back to the community,” said Capt. Sean Bailey, the ship’s commanding officer. “Our regional, multi-location volunteer project is the perfect tribute, and what better way to say ‘happy birthday’ to our namesake than to lend a hand through these various community relations activities in and around our beloved homeport.”
“Our namesake set an incredible example,” added Bailey. “It’s truly an honor to watch the pride and professionalism of this crew contributing to that very legacy of giving back.”
Bush Sailors tackled a wide range of volunteer projects ranging from cleaning and upkeeping numerous memorial parks and beaches, assisting with inventory at public libraries, stocking several local food banks and participating in sporting events with various local youth organizations.
“There’s no better way to honor his birthday than all of us getting out here and helping,” said Cmdr. Jason Cassisi, who volunteered at the Norfolk Public Library.
“It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community, especially when it’s a great organization like the VFW,” said Lt. j.g. Leonardo Gomez, a division officer in the ship’s Reactor department who volunteered at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 392 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. “It’s like giving back to those who have gone before us.”
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Meghan Wise, who volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans in Newport News, Virginia, shared similar thoughts.
“They served us just like we are serving today.” said Wise. “It’s great to be here helping the people who did what we as Sailors are doing now.”
Several organizations where Sailors worked expressed their thankfulness to have extra hands for a day.
“We are charging an initiative to distribute more fresh fruits and veggies to the community,” said Stephanie Gordon, volunteer manager at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. “The Sailors today are helping us prepare for distribution. Our mission is ‘leading the effort to eliminate hunger,’ and all of our volunteers, including the Bush Sailors, are helping us on that mission. We thank them for their service and for supporting the Foodbank”
Other crew members volunteered at the Chesapeake Humane Society maintaining tribute gardens designed by Chesapeake Master Gardeners with donations from the local community.
“The Sailors who are here today are making a big impact on our mission,” said Alison Fechino, Associate Director of the Chesapeake Humane Society. “Having volunteer groups like this come in is really helpful for us because we can tackle larger projects that our staff can’t handle on their own.”
“We are incredibly grateful for [the Sailors’] service, both to our country and to the Humane Society,” added Fechino. “They have been incredible since the minute they came in the door, ready to work. They asked us a lot of good questions about how we wanted things done. You can tell they really take a lot of pride in the work they’re doing. It’s really admirable.”
GHWB recently returned to its homeport of Norfolk following a brief at-sea period conducting routine training exercises to maintain carrier readiness.
| Date Taken: | 06.18.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2018 19:26 |
| Story ID: | 281424 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,261 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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