USS Constitution Sailors Tutor at Austin Boys and Girls Club

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

AUSTIN, Texas (NNS) -- USS Constitution Sailors tutored children from the Boys and Girls Club of Capital in Austin, Texas, March 24.

The event was part of Austin Navy Week that began March 19 and runs through March 26.

"Having the Sailors here shows the children structure and discipline," said Jose Sanchez, Boys and Girls Club of Capital assistant director and program director. "It lets them see that regardless of where they come from they can succeed."

Sailors also played games, signed autographs and answered questions about their jobs in Navy.

"As a father, this event was great," said Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Benjamin Hanson. "I helped three kids do their homework, and when homework time was over I got to have fun with them and some of our other Sailors. Overall, I hope this shows the importance of school and encourages them to study hard, and to stay in school."

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.