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PORTSMOUTH, VA –Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) received the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, Virginia July 26, 2018, after completing more than 500 hours of community service over a 12-month period.
The Sailors recognized, assigned to air department’s V-4 division, volunteered with Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia. They delivered meals and emergency relief items as a preparedness measure to the elderly throughout the Hampton Roads area.
“It is important for people with limited mobility to have non-perishable foods in case there is a hurricane and no one can reach the area in time,” said Chief Navy Counselor Brian Ellis. “Many people who are disabled have a difficult time getting in and out of their homes, so they rely on us for food.”
The center is a vital pillar in the community and its objectives of emergency response preparedness and strong neighborhoods align with The President’s Volunteer and Service Award’s objectives.
“My daughter volunteers with me and she is learning how important it is to give back,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Michelle R. Hill, the volunteer coordinator. “My favorite part of helping the community is seeing the joy on the seniors’ faces. It makes me feel good inside to receive a great deal of appreciation for doing something as small delivering a meal, or asking someone about their day.”
Established in 2003, the award was created by President George W. Bush to recognize individuals, families and groups who met requirements for volunteer service. The accolade is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, which seeks to encourage citizens to live a life dedicated to selfless service.
“We have accumulated up-to-date over 4,000 hours in the past five years of volunteer time,” said Ellis. “The most gratifying experience is when you walk into someone’s home and receive a hug. A lot of the people we serve are prior service or veterans’ spouses. We go in their homes also to check on their well-being. Most of them don’t have anybody so it is nice to sit and talk with them. We brighten up their day.”
Ike’s air department is continuing to volunteer even after receiving the award. Specifically, they have organized events meant to build a stronger sense of community at the center.
“Petty Officer Hill orchestrated a Jenga and karaoke night,” said Ellis. “You can really see when the Sailors show up, how the room lights up. We had seven Sailors show up on a Saturday night. The volunteers usually arrive during off duty-hours which I think is important.”
Subsequently, the game nights were also followed by a dance. There is a plan to continue events and activities for the elderly and homebound members of the Hampton Roads area.
“It was definitely an experience I would never forget,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) 2nd Class Christopher Cook. “I did not plan on having as much fun as I did. I had a blast.”
This unique service opportunity is not limited to members of the air department, but open to all IKE Sailors.
“If anybody wants to volunteer, reach out to me or Petty Officer Hill,” said Ellis. “The community looks up to us for guidance. It is good to get involved and stay engaged. The organization receives grants and the Sailors who volunteer help out in a big way because funding is dependent on community involvement. I don’t know what is better, seeing a smile on my Sailors’ faces or seeing the happy faces of the people they are helping.”
| Date Taken: | 07.26.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.27.2018 11:34 |
| Story ID: | 305277 |
| Location: | PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 48 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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