Photo By Seaman Steven Young | 180703-N-PP252-036 (July 3, 2018) Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft...... read more read more
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Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in a Community Relations (COMREL) event at the Peninsula Rescue Mission in Newport News, Virginia, July 3.
The Sailors assisted members of the rescue mission in cooking, cleaning and serving meals to homeless and less fortunate individuals in their local community.
“We are a short-term rescue shelter for men,” said Jody Gholson, the food service manager of Peninsula Rescue Mission. “The mission was started 52 years ago by a minister here in Newport News. He saw a need for something like this, and that’s where it began. Over the years it’s just kept growing.”
Volunteering at the Peninsula Rescue Mission gives Sailors the opportunity to give back and gain insight into the hardships that others may be enduring.
“When our Sailors come over here to volunteer they take that time to give back to those who are less fortunate,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Daquann Woodall, the RPD leading chief petty officer. “By serving those who are in need, our Sailors show a sense of humility and care of something other than themselves. Also, they get to see what is possible when they hear the stories of someone that was in their shoes.”
While Sailors are helping at the rescue mission, they are also receiving valuable information that they can take with them and apply to their personal lives.
“There’s a lot to be learned from volunteer opportunities like this,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Ahzia Brown, a Sailor assigned to George Washington. “What I’ve drawn from this is to never give up. Always keep your goals in mind. Stay driven and stay motivated because when you give up that’s when you stop progressing.”
Regardless of what someone may be going through, the Peninsula Rescue Mission is a reminder that there is always an opportunity for personal improvement. There is a powerful message in assisting those who are working to get their lives back on track.
“Your beginning doesn’t have to be your end,” said Gholson. “As long as you draw breath there is opportunity to improve your circumstances, but your circumstances will only change if your mind and your heart changes. What got them in the position to need this place was poor decision making. Sometimes just bad choices all around that left them homeless or without family to lean on, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. If they’re willing to change their minds and change their hearts, allow God into their lives, allow structure and order into their lives, they can change their circumstances.”
COMRELs give Sailors the opportunity to give back to our community in a very meaningful way. It helps the Navy build a strong rapport between its Sailors and residents of the local area. By continually seeking out volunteer opportunities, Sailors can continue to be a positive influence and make a difference in their community.
| Date Taken: | 07.16.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.17.2018 14:12 |
| Story ID: | 284606 |
| Location: | NEWPORT NEWS, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, PAYING IT FORWARD GW: Sailors Give Back to the Community through Volunteering, by SN Steven Young, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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