NECC CPOs Support Local Veterans

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW/SW) Essex D. Moore III, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Chief petty officers from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) volunteered their time and talent at Vetshouse Inc. in Virginia Beach, Va., Aug. 10 to help homeless veterans in the Hampton Roads area.

Vetshouse Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating a veteran's return to an independent and productive lifestyle.

Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Darryl Everett, community relations committee chair of NECC's Chief Petty Officers' Association (CPOA), coordinated the community relations project to rehabilitate Vetshouse Inc.'s Honor House.

Members spent the afternoon painting three bedrooms. Everett, who is a strong supporter of Navy involvement in the community, said he felt this involvement was just as important to the community as it was to the Sailors participating.

"They see that we are trying to help others," said Everett. "We are not just about ourselves."

Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Timothy W. Schwab, president of NECC's CPOA, said he was eager to participate in this project. He wanted to help those who had served their country and given so much to others.

"This is to let them know that we haven't forgotten about them," said Schwab. "We still appreciate their service."

Willard C. Smith, executive director for Vetshouse Inc., welcomed NECC's participation and said the impact of their work was immediately evident and appreciated.

"By NECC coming out doing these things and beautifying our property, it means a lot," said Smith. "It means a lot to the guys; it means a lot to me."

Smith has been involved with Vetshouse Inc. for 17 years – nine as executive director. Vetshouse Inc. maintains three homes in Virginia Beach, which can accommodate up to 22 veterans. More than 600 homeless veterans have resided at Vetshouse Inc. since 1992.

"It makes me feel good to be able to help someone who has served their country," said Everett. "You never know, someday something may go wrong for me or a family member, and we may be homeless. Hopefully, someone will lend a hand to help."