CTF 53 Officer Recognized for Volunteer Service in Bahrain

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Carolyn Cerminara | Lt. Kristen Christensen, assigned to CTF 53, helps teach English to a local student as part of a recurring community relations project sponsored by the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation and the U.S. Embassy. Christensen was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for her significant achievement in community service, Oct. 12, at a ceremony held in Bahrain.  

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

10.12.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

MANAMA, Bahrain - Task Force 53 commander recognized Lt. Kristen Christensen for significant achievement in community service today at a ceremony held in Bahrain, and awarded her the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

Christensen was presented the award for her volunteer service to the local community during the past year in Bahrain, which she was responsible for planning and coordinating more than 80 projects, totaling 1,500 hours of community service.

CTF 53 commodore, Capt. Donald Hodge said she is a dedicated and caring professional as well as an exemplary officer whose service to the local community is a model for others to emulate.

"Thanks to her outstanding volunteer efforts, a significant difference has been made in helping fulfill the needs of individuals and families in need," said Hodge. "Even while juggling the demands of work, military training, and other commitments, Lt. Christensen still chose to dedicate much of her time to conduct community service. This award is a small recognition of her selfless dedication to others."

Christensen organized projects including tutoring local school children at the Regional Institute for Active Learning School in Adliya and the Alia School in Sitra, volunteering at the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, donating clothing and other goods to the Philippine Embassy Women's Shelter, teaching English as part of the Reading for Disabled program, helping with the Bahrain Road Runner's Club as well as organizing food and clothing drives for various community shelters throughout Bahrain.

"This award will always be special to me, reminding me of all the work we've done here and the people I've met along the way," said Christensen. "It's all about people, and helping others. Volunteering during my time here has been a very rewarding experience and one I will never forget."

To receive the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, a member's service must be related to the civilian community; include the military family community; be significant in nature and produce tangible results; reflect favorably on the military service and the Department of Defense; and
be of a sustained and direct nature.

CTF 53 recognizes the need to help out their generous host nation of Bahrain and is actively seeking out new opportunities to volunteer.

CTF 53 provides operational logistical support for the entire U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition forces both ashore and afloat. They coordinate replenishment-at-sea efforts and deliver passengers, mail, cargo, ammunition, provisions and fuel throughout the 5th Fleet area of operations via air, land and sea modes, helping to ensure Sailors aboard ships have what they need to complete their mission.

• Date Taken: 10.12.2009
• Date Posted: 10.12.2009 09:39
• Story ID: 39991
• Location: MANAMA, BH