Naval Air Forces Chiefs' Association Celebrates 118th Birthday Serving Others

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Joseph H. Moon, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Chief Petty Officer Association (CPOA) spent the morning of April 1, away from their usual duties to serve food at San Diego's St. Vincent de Paul Village.

The Village, designed as a one-stop center to address all the rehabilitative needs of the homeless, provides meals for its residents daily, via two separate kitchens with the help of volunteers, making it an ideal charitable choice for the CNAF Chiefs.

The CNAF Chiefs prepared and served food for the Village's clients as a way to honor their rank's 118th birthday.

"Volunteering to serve your country is along the same lines as volunteering to help out in your community," said Chief Electronics Technician (SW/AW) Gene Martin, CPOA master-at-arms. "It's about making things better."

The Village's two kitchens serve between 250-300 meals each at breakfast, totaling roughly 600 meals. The food service program requires a minimum of eight volunteers each day.

"Volunteers are a big thing … we don't always have the people to do the chores," he said. "If we don't have volunteers, we have to scramble around to get things done."

The work ethic of military volunteers is what the Village needs to succeed, noted Kitchen Supervisor Jacob Titus.

According to Titus, the CPOA provided 14 pairs of hands, making quick work in producing the "well-balanced, daily meals."

"We all worked together as a team," said Village Shift Supervisor Ronald Hawkins, who noted that he enjoys working with military volunteers because they are organized and are positive role models for the residents.

While CNAF CPOA members engage in community relations events throughout the year, the Chiefs' Mess gathers as a group to participate in outreach programs quarterly, stated CNAF CPOA President Senior Chief Yeoman (EXW) Kim Barr.

"As chiefs, helping our community and giving back honors the heritage we celebrate today – it's more than a responsibility, it's our privilege," said Barr.