Theodore Roosevelt SCPOA Raises Crew Morale
Story Number: NNS080927-07
Release Date: 9/27/2008 9:15:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dominique Watts, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- To break-up some of the monotony that can occur when underway, the Second Class Petty Officers Association (SCPOA) is here to give USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) crew members opportunities to raise morale.
The SCPOA is made up of 103 second class petty officers, including eight members of office.
"The Second Class Petty Officers Association is not just here for the second classes, we are here for everyone," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Clifton Davis, SCPOA vice president. "It is important that the whole crew knows we are for the morale of the entire ship."
Some of the ways the SCPOA helps maintain positive morale include the implementation of new activities. One of their most successful ventures has been open mic night, which is held weekly in the foc'sle. Open mic night is an event in which Sailors can sign up to perform music or spoken word.
"The crew seems to really like open mic night; it has been very successful so far," said Davis. "The SCPOA has a lot of other events and programs in the works right now including a Halloween decorating contest."
There are ways for Sailors to help the SCPOA better serve the Roosevelt. One of those ways is to come up with new ideas for the crew and pass those ideas along to one of the elected officers.
"We are always looking for new things for the crew," said Storekeeper 2nd Class (SW/AW) Petricia Pittman, SCPOA public affairs officer. "The SCPOA is here for everyone's morale. If anyone has an idea for an event or something they'd like to see happen, we will try to get it done."
Another opportunity to help the SCPOA achieve its goals for the crew, is by purchasing one of their newly designed t-shirts. The new t-shirt features a photo of the SCPOA and is available for $15.
"All proceeds from the sale of the shirts will go toward different functions the SCPOA will be having for the crew," explained Pittman.
During the port visit to Cape Town, South Africa, members of the SCPOA plan to take part in community relations events including volunteering at the Children of Hope Education Center and attending services at St. George Anglican Cathedral.
"I am excited to see how other people live," said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Tracey Jones. "I will be going to the St. George Anglican Cathedral, and I am looking forward to experiencing the way another part of the world worships."
With plans to make this deployment more enjoyable for the crew on board Roosevelt, the SCPOA is ready to help wherever they are called upon.
"The SCPOA is available to every person on board from the most junior Sailor on up to the officers," said Postal Clerk 2nd Class (SW/AW) Marlondos Fields, SCPOA president. "Whatever we can do to make the crew happy, the SCPOA is here for that."
