USS Constitution Sailors Help Homeless

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (NNS) -- USS Constitution Sailors volunteered to help at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen in Chattanooga, Tenn., June 17.

Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Roxanne Rhoades, Sonar Technician (Subsurface) 1st Class Mark Comeiro and Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Jacob Wallace, assisted with organizing food supplies and preparing lunch as part of Chattanooga Navy Week, June 12-19.

"I think it's wonderful to have the Sailors here," said Kathy Spangler, Chattanooga Community Kitchen volunteer coordinator. "We wouldn't be able to keep our doors open without our volunteers. It impresses me to see the passion behind the Sailors and for them to take the time to help out."

Sailors assigned to Navy Operational Support Center, Chattanooga, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), Navy Recruiting District Nashville and Navy Office of Community Outreach also helped at the Community Kitchen.

"Being able to volunteer outside of my command, in another state no less, is amazing," said Wallace. "This place runs on volunteers; without it, the people who are truly in need wouldn't have a place to get away from the harshness of the streets. We're doing something bigger than ourselves."

The Chattanooga Community Kitchen helps support the basic needs of humans with a safe environment through food, shelter, employment, health care, case management, showers, restrooms and supportive services.

The primary purpose of Navy Week is to increase Navy awareness by presenting the Navy to Americans who live in cities that normally do not have a significant naval presence. Chattanooga Navy Week showcased the mission, capabilities and achievements of the U.S. Navy and provided residents the opportunity to meet Sailors first hand.

Constitution participates in more than 50 volunteer projects annually. The ship is the recipient of the 2009 and 2010 President's Volunteer Service Award and Commander, Navy Region (COMNAVREG) Middle Atlantic (MIDLANT) Good Neighbor Flagship award for small shore commands in 2010.

COMNAVREG MIDLANT presents the award to commands that have the best year-round community service program or special project that encourages activities to provide humanitarian assistance to the less fortunate.

The ship is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year.