Oak Hill Sailors Visit With Homeless Veterans

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

BOSTON (NNS) -- Several Sailors from USS Oak Hill (LPD 51) took part in a community relations project July 1 by visiting the New England Center for Homeless Veterans (NECHV) in Boston.

NECHV's mission is to extend a helping hand to homeless men and women veterans who are addressing the challenges of addiction, trauma, unemployment, and severe and persistent mental illness.

"Many of our veterans have served in the Navy and they reflect on those times fondly," said Stephen Cunniff, a NECHV representative. "Many of them have hit upon a hard time in their life and the encouragement from Oak Hill Sailors helps greatly for their morale."

Many of the Oak Hill Sailors felt privileged to be in the company of past heroes.

"I'm glad this event came about because it gave me a chance to pay my respects to those who went before us and laid out the groundwork for what we carry on within our military today," said Engineman 1st Class (SW) Shawn Charles.

The veterans were just as honored to have spent time with the present-day Navy. "They took time out of their time off to see us, and for me that speaks volumes to their professionalism and the leadership that is provided to them," said Edward Nadeau. Cmdr. David Bauer, Oak Hill's commanding officer and a native of Columbus, Ohio, was pleased with the turnout.

"I'm thrilled the Oak Hill Sailors were quick to volunteer themselves to the community," said Bauer. "It goes to show that the crew of this ship understands its obligation to the community and its debt to veterans who have served before us. We are truly a Global Force for Good."