Naval Station Mayport Hosts Author in Recognition of Child Abuse Prevention

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Leah Stiles Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Southeast

April 8, 2010 - MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport invited Dave Pelzer, author of "A child called "IT", to deliver remarks and sign books, April 6.

According to his Web site, www.davepelzer.com, the #1 New York Times and #1 International Best Selling Author has experienced a truly extraordinary life. He nearly died several times at the hands of his mentally disturbed alcoholic mother. Years later it was determined that his case was identified as one of the most gruesome and extreme cases of child abuse in California's then history.

"I am not about abuse, I am about resilience. I am about doing what I have to do with a sense of honor," said Pelzer during his remarks to a crowd gathered at NAVSTA Mayport's Ocean Breeze Conference Center.

At age 12 he was finally rescued and placed in several foster homes until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18.

What he would like to say to young folks with a similar situation is "You came from a bad background and God saved you, now you have a mission. Find your mission, and accept your mission. You deserve the very best."

Child Abuse Prevention is something that's taken seriously by Naval Station Mayport.

"Nothing can impact a Sailor from doing an effective job more so than having family issues," said Capt. Aaron Bowman, NAVSTA Mayport's commanding officer. "By recognizing and having programs that reduce incidences of child abuse, we are not only trying to put an end to a senseless and horrific act, we are also taking care of our most prized asset, the Navy family."

After delivering a touching speech, Pelzer answered questions from the audience. He also signed books and posed for photos with service members and civilians.