San Diego Fleet Week Foundation Honors Enlisted Service Members

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 220 Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen attended an enlisted recognition luncheon Tuesday hosted by San Diego Fleet Week Foundation at Sea World San Diego.

The luncheon honored enlisted service members who distinguished themselves in their service and within their command.

"It's an annual luncheon where we seek the best and brightest from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard," said Alexandra Squires, executive director Fleet Week San Diego Foundation. "We have the largest concentration of military in the world so we try to do stuff for those who are serving our community here in San Diego."

The service members sat with civic and corporate sponsors, giving them a chance to interact, find out what they do for their service and thank the military members face to face.

During the luncheon, Karen Jones of TriWest Healthcare Alliance presented the "Making a Difference" Award to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Geraldine Kirk, Naval Medical Center San Diego leading petty officer, for her outstanding performance of duties in supporting the healthcare needs of the Navy and Marine Corps team in San Diego.

"I am very proud of the work I do at Naval Medical Center San Diego," said Kirk. "It's an honor to serve and take care of the sick, ill or injured patients as a hospital corpsman."

After the award presentation, raffle tickets were drawn for prizes sponsored by General Dynamics and Southwest Airlines. Service members received prizes such as round trip airfare to anywhere Southwest Airlines flies and two night hotel stays at the Hyatt in San Diego. Each member in uniform received envelopes with San Diego Padres game tickets and gift cards.

"It feels good that people notice what we do every day, regardless of where we work," said Kirk. "The fact that we are in uniform serving daily is an honor for us and it's a great feeling to see that people appreciate what we do."

The mission of Fleet Week San Diego is to honor and celebrate the men and women of the military through public events that entertain and alliances that support and thank these heroes. Fleet Week San Diego continues for one more week.

For more information on Fleet Week San Diego, visit http://www.fleetweeksandiego.org/.