Navy Serves Up Meals With Local Community Kitchen

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lewis Hunsaker, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

May 7, 2010 - BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (NNS) -- Sailors from Navy Recruiting District Atlanta and from USS Alabama (SSBN 731) helped prepare and serve meals May 3 at the St. Andrews church in Birmingham, Ala., as part of the Community Kitchens of Birmingham program.

The event was one of many outreach opportunities scheduled for the service members during the 2010 Birmingham Navy Week, one of 20 Navy Weeks scheduled in 2010.

"We usually have volunteers on a daily basis" said Andrea Blackert, executive director of the Community Kitchens of Birmingham. "This is the first time the military has come out to help us and we feel so blessed."

During the event, Sailors talked with guests and told stories, which helped lighten everyone spirits.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Sailors to give back to a community that supports them," said Rear Adm. Tim Alexander, commander, Navy Region Southeast.

Navy weeks are designed to educate Americans on the importance of Naval service, understand the investment they make in their Navy and increase awareness in cities which might not otherwise see the Navy at work on a regular basis.

For more information about the ongoing Birmingham Navy Week and it's events, visit http://www.navyweek.org/birmingham2010.