IKE Sailors Volunteer At Virginia Zoo

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Baker, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) spent the morning May 5 at the Virginia Zoological Park in Norfolk helping to create an environment that both the animals and visitors can enjoy.

The Hampton Roads area is home to thousands of servicemembers that live, work and play among its citizens year round. During deployments, military dependants still work, attend classes and utilize the many facilities provided by the seven cities. It is a delicate relationship in which civilians support military activity and in return servicemembers consume goods and services, boosting the economy.

However, servicemembers do more than simply consume goods; every week they are out in the community volunteering their time conducting community relations projects (COMREL).

Hours before the zoo opened, Sailors armed with shovels began sculpting the landscape around the Southeast Asian exhibit. The extra bodies were a welcome relief for the park employees.

"With a staff of nine people maintaining the grounds and caring for the animals, it would be almost impossible to do all this with out volunteer help," said Marie Butler, landscape coordinator for the park.

She said when attributing savings of approximately 15 dollars an hour for each volunteer, it adds up to thousands of dollars kept by the city of Norfolk.

IKE has spent over 150 man-hours at the zoo since arriving home in August of last year, making this a notable contribution to the community. But the benefits reach farther than dollars and cents. Citizens get to see Sailors out in town actively working for its improvement, and Sailors like Operation Specialist 3rd Class Lashanta Sanders get to learn what it takes to build an animal habitat or get the attention of an Asiatic Black Bear.

"Its been a lot of fun," said Sanders, "I think the bears liked me."

Her group of volunteers planted different bushes and trees so that when the animals come out it would remind them of their native home.

"Its like creating a little piece of Southeast Asia here in Norfolk," said Butler. "Its good to see volunteers like Sanders interacting with animals."

Her hope is that when volunteers leave they have a better appreciation for gardens and the animals they help.

Navy Chaplain Lt. Eric Cochrane organized the COMREL and said the zoo visit is a special one because of the unique opportunity it provides for everyone involved.

"So many people look at the Navy and just see us sort of taking from the community," said Cochrane. "This gives us a chance to leave a positive mark that they will get to enjoy."

COMRELs take place constantly and allow the ship to leave a lasting impression on those it serves. IKE Sailors will continue giving back to the community whenever they are home consistently making the Hampton Roads greater each day.