San Antonio Sailors Donate to a Good Cause

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The First Class Petty Officer Association aboard USS San Antonio (LPD 17), in conjunction with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, sponsored a canned food drive that ended Sept. 11.

"I have done food drives at every command I've worked for," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class Heather Ferguson, who initiated the project. "It is an easy way to give back to the local community. The food drive benefits our community by providing solutions to hunger."

San Antonio Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Eric Cash, said that his crew members were more than just volunteers for a good cause.

"San Antonio Sailors are part of the community," explained Cash. "They support the community, and are proud to give back to those whose freedom we defend."

The drive started during San Antonio's maintenance availability period, and Sailors weren't the only ones who contributed.

"Typically, there are separate bins for each department to kind of make it a fun competition while doing something positive," Ferguson explained. "We didn't do that this time. Our Air Department definitely contributed a lot, but I was really surprised at the amount the civilian contractors working on the ship gave. Their help was greatly appreciated."

That help did not go unrecognized by others.

"The fact that the contractors from Earl Shipyard and
Norfolk Naval Shipyard joined in the effort is simply amazing," added Cash. "It really is a reminder that all Americans care about enriching the lives of others and the spirit of giving is strong."

Ferguson said that getting the project started was simple.

"It's easy to participate, just go online to www.foodbankonline.org there is a link called 'How to help'. After that, it was just a matter of just picking up a couple posters and a bucket and then dropping off the food when we were done. It's too easy not to do," She exclaimed. "The feeling of knowing that you helped someone else is amazing!"


For more news from USS San Antonio (LPD 17), visit www.navy.mil/local/lpd17/.