Sailors Helps School for Holidays

POULSBO, Wash. - Sailors from the ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (Blue) crew, homeported at Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), Bangor, volunteered to help Vinland Elementary School students as part of their continued partnership.

According to Machinist's Mate 3rd Class (SS) Ricky Garcia, Personal Excellence through Cooperative Education (PECE) program coordinator, their goal is to assist the school through the help of PECE.

"The school and their Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) bought a bunch of wreaths from Belfair to sell and raise money for an Outdoor Education Camp field trip for their fourth graders, and we are here to help bring those wreaths out to vehicles of those who bought wreaths from the school," said Garcia.

The Sailors carried more than 100 wreaths from the school to waiting vehicles.

PTSA President Becky Wallace said she was grateful for the Kentucky Sailors ongoing cooperation.

"They are great. These guys have been really helpful, and we appreciate what they volunteered to help us do," Wallace said. "And we will be calling them up a lot more often...I have a lot of respect for what these gentlemen do."

"I just enjoy being a helpful hand...people seemingly look at the military as though we're only out there fighting for our country," said Culinary Specialist Seaman (SS) Wade Roman, USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (Blue). "That's good, but we can fight for our communities too."

For another Sailor it's an opportunity to show the spirit of the Navy.

"I think it is a great way to show the community the spirit of the Sailors," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SS) John Berry. "A lot of Sailors joined the Navy in order to help people out, and this is just a good way to show the community we're still doing that."

According to Cmdr. Jon Moretty, executive officer, Kentucky (Blue), building relationships within the community, mentoring and setting good examples help foster good relationships.

"The volunteer work they did is not only a big focus for the Navy, but one for us also, to ensure we are good ambassadors in the community and that we are able to support the young generation and give them strong role models," said Moretty. "Also it's important to show the children the value of staying in school doing well, and it's important for our guys to help out in the community to interact with the children they lead. I appreciate their efforts and this allows us to give back to those who help support us when we're out to sea."