By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs
Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Savage, USS Constitution executive officer; Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/SS) Timothy Shaeffer; Gunner's Mate Seaman Kali Morris, Master-at-Arms Seaman Gary Matthias; and Airman Sang Nguyen served Christmas dinner and talked to veterans as part of Constitution's partnership with the NECHV.
"I enjoyed volunteering at the veteran's center," said Matthias. "Since it was my first Christmas in Boston
Since establishing their partnership with the NECHV in April of this year, Constitution's Sailors have lent 1,113 man hours helping veterans. They also served Thanksgiving dinner.
"It's an honor for us to have this special partnership with the Sailors aboard the USS Constitution," said Steve Cunniff, NECHV director of community affairs. "The legacy of 'Old Ironsides' as our nation's oldest commissioned ship - having remained undefeated since its launching in 1797 - provides also a symbolic inspiration to veterans experiencing any kind of hardship; helping them to remember that a strong and united nation stands behind them to lend its support."
USS Constitution Sailors participate in more than 50 volunteer projects annually. They were also winners of the Commander Navy Region Middle Atlantic Good Neighbor Flagship award for small shore commands, lending more than 3,000 hours of community service in 2010.
"The NECHV is there to help veterans who are suffering from any number of setbacks, including trauma, mental illness or unemployment," said Savage. "Constitution's partnership with the center allows our Sailors the opportunity to help these veterans, and the veterans at the center really appreciate seeing volunteers in uniform. I believe being with Sailors bolsters the pride in their service."
Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard of Boston Harbor. It is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year.
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