Military Lends a Hand to Special Athletes on Guam

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Peter Lewis, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas Public Affairs

BARRIGADA, Guam (NNS) -- Guam-based Sailors and their shipmates from visiting ship USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) volunteered during the 2nd Annual Special Olympics of Guam Golf Exhibition, Dec. 17 at the Admiral Nimitz Golf Course in Barrigada, Guam.

The visiting Sailors said they were honored to be able to help with such a meaningful event.

"We made it a mission to do a project with the community in every port we hit," said Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Marilyn Kennard of John Paul Jones. "It shows that even though we're not a representative of Guam, we're here to support."

According to Air Force Master Sgt. Kevin Schumacher, Andersen Air Force Base Special Olympics volunteer coordinator, the volunteer opportunity benefited service members as much as the athletes.

"I know a lot of Airmen up on Andersen are looking for ways to get involved, and the athletes from the Special Olympics give us a great way to interact with the community," he said. "I think they get to see a different part of Guam and they get to help out. I think it gives them a lot of satisfaction to get involved with such a good organization."

According to the participants' parents, the athletes were very happy to have the service members present at the event.

"It brings up their morale, it makes them more gung-ho to participate in the sport that they're in," said Ed Boswell, parent of a Special Olympics athlete. "It's really great for the military to help us out here."

As service members continue to volunteer their time at community events such as the golf exhibition, Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) John Jeffries, U.S. Naval Base Guam Special Olympics volunteer coordinator, encouraged more Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Coast Guardsmen to get involved.

"I think volunteering is important because it sets a good example for ourselves and others," he said.