Iwo Jima Sailors Visit Children at Chris Evert Children's Hospital

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Mavis Tillman, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

April 30, 2010 - PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors from the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) visited Chris Evert's Children's Hospital at Broward General Medical Center April 27.

The Sailors visited the general pediatric, intensive and emergency care, hematology oncology, labor and delivery and acute neonatal wards.

Each Sailor had a chance to visit, share stories, answer questions, cheer patients up and take pictures. They also met Bernie, the therapeutic dog, which plays with the children to calm them down and minimize their fears.

"As a parent, it makes you appreciate having healthy kids, but on the flip side it warms your heart to bring a smile to a sick child's face," said Legalman 1st Class Marlena Joiner, Iwo Jima legal officer.

Cryptologic Technician Collection 2nd Class Zachariah Adkins signed up early for the event so he could bring some joy to the youngest patients of the hospital.

"I wanted to be the one of the people that helped brighten a child's day," said Adkins.

From curable to incurable illnesses, the youngest patients show their smiles and personalities to Iwo Jima Sailors who want nothing more than to bring a little sunshine to their hospital stay.

"I chose to participate in this community relations project because I wanted to reach out to the children who may not get to meet their heroes, but often dream about becoming part of the armed forces," said Information Technician 2nd Class Vania Yazzie. "Many of these children spend years in the hospital fighting battles of their own. They are a testament to true strength and courage."

This is the 20th Fleet Week Port Everglades, South Florida's annual celebration of the Maritime Services. More than 2,500 American and German Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in a number of community outreach activities and enjoy the hospitality and tourism of South Florida.