USO Sponsors Fleet Week "Reverse Care Package" Event Aboard Iwo Jima

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Travis J. Kuykendall, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines onboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) participated in a care package event during fleet week on the flight deck May 26.

Service members worked together with United Service Organizations (USO) volunteers to make care packages and distribute them to other ships participating in fleet week. The event is referred to as "Fleet Week Reverse Care Package Party."

The special care package event was sponsored by USO, Pepsi Corporation, Gatorade and the NFL, who work hand-in-hand to provide care packages to service members all over the world.

"It was a chance to give back to fellow shipmates and other service members," said Yeoman Seaman Derrick Miles. "I wanted them to be rewarded because I know what they go through and they deserve it."

"Pepsi Co. has a long standing relationship with USO," said Greg Ordway, Pepsi Co. director of brand development, "and this year in particular we felt the need to support our sea services and show our appreciation."

"This event brought me up close and personal with USO and I saw the degree to which they help us out," said Miles. "We really do need them. Sometimes we're overseas and they can make the difference."

More than 3,000 care packages were filled with drink mix packets, chips, gum, towels, water bottles and other snacks to be handed out to service members. "We got a lot of work done and helped make a lot of packages" said Miles. "It was a great opportunity to network and help our shipmates."

While some service members worked to make the care packages, others enjoyed a barbeque with music & entertainment, interactive games, raffle giveaways, and the chance to make their own care packages.