Sailors Visit Seattle Children's Hospital

SEATTLE (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Chief Petty Officer's Mess and 3&2 Petty Officer's Association participated in a community service (COMSERV) project at Seattle Children's Hospital, July 23.

Sailors played games, talked with children and gave away Ronald Reagan gifts to boost the children's spirits.

"I like when the military comes because they are always respectful and follow directions," said Lina Lewis, program coordinator at Seattle Children's Hospital. "The families feel their children are being cared for and they're very appreciative."

For a few hours, the Sailors played board games and answered a variety of questions the children had about Navy service.

"We visited children in their rooms, checking in on how they were doing," said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Jeff Archer. "We also had the chance to sing 'Happy Birthday' to a patient who only had his mother with him to celebrate."

To some, visiting the hospital was a much more positive experience than they anticipated.

"I expected to see more kids in worse condition," said Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Kylie Hafner. "It was encouraging to see all of them in good spirits. They responded with huge smiles."

The chiefs and junior petty officers took the time to reflect on their experience.

"It was sad to see them here," said Archer. "I hate to see children going through health problems. The little ones seemed in good spirits, even with all they're going through."

"It made me think of my sister who passed away from Sickle Cell Anemia," added Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Mia McGrew. "I was too young to visit her then, but now that I am able, I want to visit with the children here more often."

Taking the time away from the normal work day helps strengthen the bond between the Sailors and local neighbors and communities.

"It's important for the military team to build trust and to get to know each other," said Archer. "It is always nice to see our Sailors coming out to support COMSERVs."

Both associations plan on holding more COMSERVs at the hospital in the future.

"Work can be stressful," said Chief Logistics Specialist Adriana Cabarcas. "Doing things like this makes you grateful and more positive because you're giving back to those who are in need of help."
USS Ronald Reagan is currently homeported in Bremerton, Wash., while undergoing a Docked Planned Incremental Availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Activity.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - Ronald Reagan Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.