CPO Selectees Help Kitsap County Fairgrounds Make Preparations

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Dagendesh, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- More than 100 chief petty officers (CPOs) and CPO selectees from the Pacific Northwest Region worked side by side making various preparations at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds in Silverdale, Wash., Aug. 12.

The preparations were part of an effort to make the fairgrounds ready for the upcoming fair in late August 2010 and also to build good relations between the military and civilian community.

"We work here every year to do some community work within the realms of the Northwest when the chief results come out for our new chief selectees," said Chief Master-at-Arms Charles Person, from Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific Security Battalion Bangor.

"When we get involved, it really makes a difference and it builds a positive relationship. The Navy is always here for the community because that's who we defend...We defend our country, the United States, obviously and Washington state is a fantastic place to live and bring up a family," said Person. "And that is what the military is...a big family."

It's important for the CPO community be get involved in the local community, said Chief Navy Counselor Gary Toles from Naval Base Kitsap.

"We have a great organization to date and that is the CPO mess, and it goes far beyond a local area, it goes all around the world," said Toles.

The selectees also had the opportunity to meet CPOs from installations in the area.

"This is a fantastic time; we enjoy this time of the year when those results come out, and you can see the juices flowing," said Person. "Everyone knows what is going on. The chiefs, senior chiefs and master chiefs see a change in them (the selectees)...they see a little spark in them (the selectees)."