Trees for Troops Brings Christmas Spirit to Ike
Story Number: NNS061206-12
Release Date: 12/6/2006 4:18:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shanika Futrell, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs
ABOARD USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) have received eight natural Christmas trees from Trees for Troops.
Trees for Troops started in Columbus, Ohio, when FedEx joined forces with the Ohio Christmas Tree Association’s “Operation Evergreen” to donate more than 200 Christmas trees to deployed service members.
“I received an e-mail from 5th Fleet’s chaplain that said there were 20 trees donated from Trees for Troops,” said Cmdr. John Maurice, Ike command chaplain. “I then contacted the supply officer, and Sara Dowell, the fun boss, so we could decide on the amount of trees we would like to request.”
Maurice then coordinated the delivery of eight Christmas trees.
The Christmas trees were set up on the mess decks and decorated by ship crew members to bring a sense of home to Ike.
“Having the trees and being able to decorate them reminds us all of home and being around the people we love,” said Maurice.
While decorating the Christmas trees, Sailors enjoyed sharing the holiday spirit with their shipmates.
“I helped decorate one of the trees, and I think the spirit of the holidays brings out the best of us,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Abel Jimenez. “No matter how far away from family we are, our love is still the same.”
For Sailors deployed, celebrating the holidays is important because it brings back memories of holidays spent with their families.
“It is important to celebrate the holidays on the ship because the crew needs to break up monotony,” said Dowell. “It’s a good break from the regular day-to-day work schedule.”
Christmas is traditionally one of the most cherished holidays of the year, and while out to sea, some Sailors dedicated their time to help lift others’ spirits.
“Christmas is the time of the year where we can lift our spirits, where most people can hum and sing different carols and songs,” said Maurice. “It’s also the time of the year to reminisce on the happy times, eat different foods, have parties and give gifts.”
The trees bring back the memories for many Sailors on the Ike.
“Natural trees have a nice cedar scent,” said Dowell. “It gives a sense of being at home for the holidays and the trees alone make the mess decks look festive,” said Dowell. “Sailors aboard Ike had fun, especially the ones who helped decorate. It’s nice to see people caring about us by sending the trees to the ship.”
Maurice plans to thank Trees for Troops for their support and generosity during the holiday season.
“We will send a letter to Trees for Troops to show who benefited and extend our gratitude,” said Maurice. “Somebody somewhere sacrificed their time and income for our morale, which is certainly along the lines of the Christmas holidays, the time for giving and sharing.”
Ike departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Oct. 3, with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations (MSO). Ike and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 have been flying missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom over Afghanistan since Nov. 6.
For related news, visit the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn69/.
