Oak Hill Sailors Visit Nursing Home in Maine

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Brian Goodwin, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

BOOTH BAY HARBOR, Maine (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) took part in a community relations project by visiting the residents of Gregory Wind Nursing Home (GWNH) in Booth Bay Harbor, Maine, June. 20.

Once the Sailors arrived, they were met with a reception from the residents.

"It was so sweet that they came to see us," said GWNH resident Margaret Drisko. "We talked about everything and shared our memories from the older days of the military. This was a treat."

While the Sailors were visiting, they sang the Navy's "Anchors Aweigh" and played piano songs.

"We wanted to make an impact on the residents here, and we thought that singing and playing the piano was a great way to do that," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class (SW) Kim Johnson.

"Giving back to community is something I always have to do wherever I go, regardless if its back at home or a port visit," said Yeoman 2nd Class Mary-Katherine King. "This was a great project for us to do and I can't wait to have many more like this to come."

Cmdr. David Bauer, commanding officer of Oak Hill, stated that interaction between service members and the civilian populace is a Sailors duty in order to promote the Navy's professionalism.

"My Sailors were quick to volunteer themselves to the community, so that is just a small taste of the pride they have when it comes to involving themselves for any opportunity to be involved in any community event," said Bauer.