NAS Key West Celebrates Community By Volunteering

From Naval Air Station Key West Public Affairs

KEY WEST, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., personnel volunteered more than 300 hours in five events in honor of Navy Volunteer Week, April 10 - 16.

Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE), Rear Adm. Tim Alexander declared Navy Volunteer Week throughout the southeast region in honor of National Volunteer Week. The proclamation encouraged commands to partner with the Navy Community Service Program (NCSP) and serve their communities.

"Through volunteer work, Americans can demonstrate the kindness and generosity that make our nation great," said Alexander, who affirmed the Navy's commitment to building a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility. "Mentoring a child, teaching someone to read, visiting the elderly, feeding the hungry, and building shelter for families are all examples of how Americans can and do aid those in need."

Key West volunteer projects included a blood drive for the Community Blood Centers of Florida, serving meals at St. Mary's Soup Kitchen, distributing flyers for Monroe County Health Department Mosquito Control and grounds-keeping and maintenance at Wesley House and Sigsbee Charter School.

"I'm proud of the Sailors and civilians here who are active in volunteer efforts throughout the year...not just during Navy and National Volunteer Week," said NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Patrick Lefere during his weekly radio address. "I think these efforts help remind Sailors and civilians here that NAS Key West is part of the Key West and Monroe County community and vice versa."

The Navy's Community Service Program exists to help build stronger communities and develop mission-ready personnel through outreach activities. It offers commands the opportunity to make a major, positive, long-term impact on the development of America's youth and the quality of life for residents and personnel that live in the area.

Volunteer activities fall under one of five community service flagship projects: personal excellence partnerships which encompass mentorship relationships, youth health and fitness programs, a youth drug education campaign, an environmental conservation program, and project good neighbor, which provides aid and restores hope for homeless, hungry, homebound, ailing and elderly community members.

"This is just the beginning; CNRSE will sponsor Navy Volunteer Week each year in conjunction with National Volunteer Week to reaffirm our commitment to community service and assisting our local communities" said Dianne Parker, Navy Region Southeast community service program coordinator. "In fact, we are the first region to sponsor this type of event and have raised some awareness for volunteer week. The Navy Community Service Council is interested in making this a Navy-wide observance in the future."