USS Constitution Sailors Lend Helping Hand During Austin Navy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs

AUSTIN, Texas (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Constitution volunteered to help those in need at Caritas of Austin in Austin, Texas, March 23.

Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Anthony Costa, Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Benjamin Hanson, Gas Turbine Systems Electrician Technician 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jose Meza and Logistics Specialist Seaman Maria Escamilla, prepared lunch and handed out groceries as part of Austin Navy Week, March 19-26.

"A sense of pride that our Navy is big enough to help the community really makes me feel like I am a part of something much bigger than myself," said Escamilla.

Caritas is a non-profit organization that serves 20,000 homeless, working poor and documented refugees.

"It will be a good presence to have," said Melissa Demand, Caritas of Austin, development and faith coordinator. "To have a very positive and uplifting group with people who are willing to jump in and help in the kitchen will allow everything to run more smoothly."

Austin is the second of 21 Navy Weeks planned across America in 2011. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

Constitution participates in more than 50 volunteer projects annually. The ship is the recipient of the 2009 and 2010 President's Volunteer Service Award and Commander, Navy Region (COMNAVREG) Middle Atlantic (MIDLANT) Good Neighbor Flagship award for small shore commands in 2010.

COMNAVREG MIDLANT gives the award to commands that have the best year-round community service program or special project that encourages activities to provide humanitarian assistance to the less fortunate.

The ship is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year.