Georgia Blue Lends a Helping Hand

From Commander Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs

KINGSLAND, Ga (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Georgia (SSGN 729) (Blue) volunteered at the New Wave of Glory soup kitchen in Kingsland, Ga., June 2.

Command Master Chief Richard Rose, USS Georgia (SSGN 729) (Blue) chief of the boat, attended a Chief Petty Officer Association Meeting where retired Command Master Chief Kevin Kesterson mentioned the New Wave of Glory Christian Center needed help in the soup kitchen.

"It is important to give back to the community, especially a community like Camden County, where they are so supportive of our Sailors and Navy," said Rose. "When I told our Sailors about the opportunity at the soup kitchen, they lined up to help. This says a lot about the character of these Sailors – when they could have chosen to spend the time with their families or enjoy the well-deserved rest, they opted to give to others!"

Kesterson has volunteered at the kitchen since December 2009 and noticed that the facility needed the normal donations of food and help serving meals, and that the building was in need of repair. He and the Georgia crew members spent a few hours assessing repairs to the electrical system; reorganizing storage and basic clean up.

"I just finished helping the church I attend with a remodel project, so I know what it is like to have a place and it not be what you want it to be, also the pride that comes from helping out and fixing it up, so I volunteered to help here," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Marquez Librado.

Sailors first priority was the non-working air conditioning system, replacing shelves in the pantry and clearing brush and debris from around the building. Future projects include new shelving for Linda's Closet, the church's thrift store. Linda's Closet sells second-hand clothing and household items. All profits from the store go directly to the soup kitchen.

"This will mean a whole lot to the community and we really appreciate everyone coming out," Kesterson said. "I really want to applaud these Sailors.

Georgia wants to make a long-term commitment to the kitchen and these guys are not only donating their time, but many have volunteered to donate building supplies out of their own pocket."

The kitchen served approximately 150 meals each day it is open and with school out that number climbs up to 240. Those in need do not have to be members of the church to receive a meal or a bag of groceries.

"We just know that if you feel a call to help you should help," said Linda Johnson, a minister. "I want to thank the Sailors for volunteering. Thank you so much for your help, it is really appreciated."

The New Wave of Glory soup kitchen has been serving Camden County since 2007 and is the only facility of this type in the county. The kitchen is open every Tuesday and Thursday, delivers hot meals to the needy, serves meals to people who walk-in, donates groceries from their pantry to anyone in need and work with United Way 2-1-1; a free help line that provides financial assistance, counseling, employment assistance and much more. New Wave of Glory soup kitchen provided much-needed assistance to 13,000 Camden County residents last year.

"I have always felt it is important for the community to see we are more than just a base, our Sailors contribute to the community," Kesterson said.

"The crew enjoys and responds very well when it comes to helping out and lending a hand outside their normal jobs," said Rose. "Especially out in the local community where our friends are and where we live our daily lives when we are not deployed."

Georgia returned to its homeport at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay after completing a three-month deployment and crew swap with the Gold crew in Diego Garcia.