ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (NNS) -- Three Sailors from the Virginia-class submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) volunteered their time, Oct. 4, for a meet and greet, and to serve meals to more than 200 homeless individuals at the Joy Junction homeless shelter during Albuquerque Navy Week.
"It was great for the Navy to be here and give support," said Master Chief Machinist's Mate Joaquin Arroyo, one of the Navy volunteers. "Everybody needs help sometimes. Joy Junction gives individuals a place to stay and learn a skill until they can get back on their feet."
Joy Junction is New Mexico's largest homeless shelter and first opened its doors in 1986. It is the only shelter in New Mexico that will take in a single parent with children, and provides shelter and assistance for approximately 200 to 300 individuals on a daily basis.
"We don't want to be known as just a shelter but a stepping stone to better accommodations," said volunteer coordinator Jonathan Matheny. "Everyone here has a story. They're not just homeless."
After dinner, the "Destroyers" a pop/rock group from Navy Band Southwest had the crowd up on its feet and cheering with an electric performance of classic rock and roll hits.
"The people really appreciated us being here," said Arroyo. "As a 'global force for good,' our job is to reach out and help anyone who needs assistance, be it overseas or at home."
"Coming to Joy Junction shows the Navy who you're protecting and doing your job for; people who can't protect themselves," added Matheny. "It doesn't get any more poignant than that."
The visit coincided with Albuquerque Navy Week 2011, one of 21 Navy weeks planned across America this year. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.
For more information about the 2011 Albuquerque Navy Week, go to Navyweek.org/albuquerque2011.
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