Navy Commands Performing Community Service Recognized for their Work

By Ed Wright, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Each year, in neighborhoods and towns around the globe, Navy volunteers partner with their local communities, reaching out to provide support.

The mission of the Navy's Community Service Program (NCSP) is to help build stronger communities and to develop mission-ready personnel through outreach activities.

"The Navy Community Service Program represents volunteerism at its finest and in taking seriously the meaning of 'my brother's keeper' always stands ready to give a helping hand to the communities in which we live and work," said Olivia Hunter, Naval District Washington Regional community service coordinator.

Your Navy team's volunteer work may qualify them for one or more of the Navy Community Service Program Awards, which is divided into five flagship sponsor categories.

The flagship sponsor categories are:

- Project Good Neighbor - serves as the basis for developing a good relationship with the surrounding community.

- Personal Excellence Partnership - strives for excellence in developing the youth of surrounding communities by promoting academic achievement, healthy lifestyles and civic responsibility.

- Health, Safety, and Fitness - promotes healthy and fit lifestyles for military members and the surrounding civilian community.

- Environmental Stewardship Program - joins forces with the local community, schools, and other military commands in educating the community in how to preserve, protect, restore and enhance our environment;

- Campaign Drug Free - focuses on educating surrounding communities and schools on the dangers of drugs and substance abuse. This flagship also develops youths through drug education, leadership and character development, positive role model mentoring, and community outreach.

There is an overarching award to recognize the command volunteer program that has proven overall excellence in community service. In order to receive the USS Bainbridge Award, a command must qualify in at least three of the five flagship categories.

The NCSP is designed to foster a sense of community service and friendship, and serve as a vehicle for volunteers who are role models in promoting good citizenship. It provides Sailors the opportunity to give something back to the community where they live and work, while at the same time providing support and resources for established programs.

"Observing our volunteers working side by side with community residents is an impressive example of commitment to selfless service," said Hunter. "Many members of the Navy community have a strong desire to be an uplifting influence in the surrounding civilian community. The evidence is shown through the tremendous amount of volunteerism by Naval active duty and civilian personnel for myriad projects that help communities and private citizens who need a helping hand."

All Navy commands are eligible to compete for the 2015 Navy Community Service Awards. The deadline for commands to submit nominations to the NCSP Geographic Regional Coordinator (GRC) is July 31. The volunteer service must have occurred from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

See NAVADMIN 130/15 for more information on NCSP, or contact your command coordinator or GRC for details on applying for nomination.