Northwest Region Reserve Component Wins 2009 Flagship Award

By Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class KarinaGrace Shouldice and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer S. Kimball, Navy Region Northwest, Reserve Component Command Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Douglass Biesel, Commander, Navy Region Northwest, presented the 2009 Campaign Drug Free (CDF) Flagship Small Shore Command Award to Navy Region Northwest Reserve Component Command (NAVREG NW RCC) on Sep 10.

CDF is one of six Navy Flagship programs and is open to all Navy personnel. Each year the Navy recognizes commands that have coordinated the most effective and exemplary community outreach projects.

NAVREG NW RCC is being recognized for their exceptional efforts in 2009 for teaching local students about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

"It makes me proud to be associated with such professional Sailors," said Capt. Gary Hetzel, commanding officer, NAVREG NW RCC. "Our Sailors are comitted to educating America's youth and their enthusiasm for this program is quite evident."

NAVREG NW RCC staff spoke to children at the local YMCA, as well as, four local schools and at various other events.

They reached out to an audience of more than 3,000 students ages 8-17, in grades 3 through 11, putting in more than 50 hours of volunteer time.

"Our Sailors are truly making a difference in our community. Our presence in the schools is indicative of how much the Navy cares about our future leaders," said Senior Chief Yeoman (AW) Nia Clark, CDF Coordinator assigned to NAVREG NW RCC. "They are dedicated to providing students with the tools to ignore peer pressure and make good decisions."

Commands and individual participation in CDF continues to demonstrate the dedication and devotion our Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and civilians show to the people they serve.