Submarine Group 9 Sailors Participate in Day of Caring

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gretchen M. Albrecht, Commander, Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs

June 24, 2010 - BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Submarine Group 9 participated in the United Way of Kitsap County's 17th Annual Day of Caring June 23.

Participants spent the day sprucing up the grounds of the Hospice of Kitsap County. Sailors pulled weeds, pruned flowers and laid bark in an effort to improve the appearance of the center which is home to patients who are terminally ill.

"It is great to see so many people here to help because we really rely on the support of the community and volunteers to help meet the patients and families needs," said Valerie Younger, deputy executive director of Hospice of Kitsap County. "The Sailors here have really impressed me with their hard work and ability to do so much with very little direction. We are so very grateful for their help."

For some Sailors, this was their first time volunteering.

"I wanted to take the time to give back to my community and today was a great opportunity," said Yeoman 1st Class Jeremy Stover, one of 20 Sailors who participated. "We had a great turnout today, and it was great to be able to work side by side with my shipmates for a good cause."

The United Way has been operating in Kitsap County since the 1930's, and has been engaging people to help out and make a difference in the community.

Beverly Kincaid, President of the United Way Kitsap County Board of Directors, was impressed with the discipline and drive each Sailor showed during the day's events.

"I saw such a great deal of teamwork and camaraderie from each volunteer," said Kincaid. "Even though this is a temporary home for the Sailors stationed here it is great to see that so many care about the community and are willing to help."

"I really like to volunteer and help out my community so when this opportunity came up I was glad to help," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Lyna McKeever. "Volunteering is a much more productive way to spend free time, and it gets people involved in something worthwhile."

The United Way Day of Caring event is held every year, with 30-50 projects in need of volunteers to help complete.