TTF Bangor PO1 Association gives to Kitsap families for the holidays

Commander, Submarine Group Nine
Story by Chief Petty Officer Ahron Arendes

Date: 12.19.2013
Posted: 12.19.2013 17:03
News ID: 118494
TTF Bangor PO1 Association gives to Kitsap families for the holidays

BANGOR, Wash. - The Trident Training Facility (TTF) Bangor First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) completed a donation of more than $3,000 worth of toys and food Dec. 19 to ensure underprivileged families in Kitsap County have a happy holiday season.

The TTF FCPOA made the donations to the Kitsap Community Resources (KCR) Christmas Angels program and the Kitsap County Food Bank Coalition.

"We, as service members, are very blessed," said Electronics Technician 1st Class (SS/EXW) Nathan Patrick, TTF FCPOA holiday donation coordinator. "There are a lot of families that struggle this time of year, not only with how they're going to feed their families, but also with how they're going to provide their children a merry Christmas. We in the military have stability, so it's important that we assist the community in helping those families."

The TTF FCPOA became inspired to help this holiday season when Patrick returned from an eight-month individual augmentee (IA) assignment in Afghanistan.

"While I was gone overseas, I saw all of the support we received from others, and it was awesome," said Patrick. "It reminded me that there are still people that care, so when I got back here I wanted to make sure we were doing our part to help those in need. I also grew up as one of those families. There were times where I don't think I would have had a Christmas if it wasn't for the folks like those here at TTF."

Patrick said the TTF FCPOA will continue helping Kitsap families in future holiday seasons.

"This is an opportunity for everyone to take a break from their busy schedules and open their hearts to those in need. Will people remember you as the hardened military guy or as someone with a big heart?" said Patrick.

The KCR Christmas Angels program was established to provide toys for underprivileged children, or "angels," throughout Kitsap County. The Kitsap County Food Bank Coalition is a network of eight food banks working to alleviate hunger throughout the country.