FISC San Diego Helps Improve Center for At-Risk Youth

By Candice Villarreal, Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 30 Sailors and civilians assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command's Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) San Diego showed up to help improve the appearance of a San Diego youth center May 7.

Command personnel showed up early and divided into groups to clean up, prep and paint portions of the San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) Golden Hill Youth Center alongside SDYS staff members and children.

The non-profit SDYS organization works to stabilize the lives of at-risk youth and children who are homeless and in crisis. FISC San Diego has partnered with the group to coordinate volunteer efforts like beautification projects, activities and mentoring programs.

"Some of these kids, the situation they're in is very difficult," said Equipment Operator 2nd Class (SCW) Ericka Pilling. "There isn't a whole lot of funding and they're already struggling with life at a young age. It's nice to be able to help them out, interact with them, and get to know them,and their goals and dreams while working hand-in-hand in their own backyard."

The project was complemented by a lunchtime barbecue, where Commanding Officer Capt. David Pimpo and Executive Director Mike Stames, cooked hot dogs and hamburgers for the volunteers, children and staff.

"These kids are really fun to be around and work with," said Equipment Operator Constructionman Roy Marquis. "It was a great way to spend a Saturday; sharing some of your time to help out others in our community and working on a project with your co-workers outside of the normal work environment. The best part, though, is that you can tell these kids appreciate it just as much as we enjoy doing it."

FISC San Diego, one of seven supply centers under Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers (COMFISCS), provides global logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other Joint and Allied Forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

COMFISCS comprises more than 5,700 military and civilian logistics professionals, contractors and foreign nationals operating as a single cohesive team providing global logistics services from 110 locations worldwide. A component of the Naval Supply Systems Command headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa., COMFISCS is part of a worldwide logistics network of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel providing combat capability through logistics.