SAN ANTONIO – (Sept. 27, 2019) Sailors assigned to Navy Recruiting District (NRD) San Antonio journeyed to the San Antonio Food Bank to provide community service through the Navy’s Community Relations (COMREL) Program.
The team, joined by other volunteer organizations, sorted through 19,572 pounds of food which were reorganized into 15,657 meals for needy families.
According to Yeoman 2nd Class Angelica Brown of San Antonio, NRD’s community service coordinator, performing community service shows that Sailors care about the community they live in.
“It’s important for us to help those in need,” said Brown. “It’s not just about recruiting; being here matters.”
Prior to commencing the work, the volunteers received a detailed briefing by Mario Sanchez, a volunteer coordinator with the San Antonio Food Bank.
“Without volunteers, the food bank would not be able to distribute food,” said Sanchez of San Antonio. “We are running low on donations, so having companies and individuals donate as well as volunteer is extremely important.”
According to Sanchez, members of the military frequently volunteer at the food bank, mostly during their off-duty hours.
Navy COMREL is an overarching program which fosters community service, creates and sustains partnerships with the public at home and abroad, increases public awareness and understanding of America’s Navy.
NRD Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Nicholas Gamiz joined by NRD Executive Officer, Cmdr. Michael Files were present to lend helping hands.
“Providing community service is one of many elements for well-roundedness and development of our Sailors,” said Gamiz, a Naval aviator and native of Albuquerque, N.M. “Having our Sailors volunteer in pride gear or in uniform demonstrates to the community our pride in giving back.”
NRD San Antonio’s area of responsibility includes more than 34 Navy Recruiting Stations and Navy Officer Recruiting Stations spread throughout 144,000 square miles of Central and South Texas territory.