Sailors Volunteer during Milwaukee Navy Week

MILWAUKEE (NNS) -- Sailors from Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Milwaukee and other locales volunteered to serve breakfast to the homeless and hungry at St. James Episcopal Church during Milwaukee Navy Week, Aug. 8.

After arriving early in the morning to prep the food, the Sailors then went on to serve a hot breakfast to approximately 250 individuals.

"This was a great opportunity to serve the community," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Ken Lacey, normally assigned to NOSC Tulsa. "Milwaukee has opened their hearts to us this week and it feels good to give back."

Since 1983, St. James Episcopal Church has hosted the interfaith meal ministry known as the Gathering, a non-profit organization dedicated to feeding the poor and homeless in Southeastern Wisconsin.

"We're open to anyone that needs a helping hand," said Robert Heindl, one of the volunteer coordinators at the church. "There's no limit on who can eat here. Everyone who needs a meal is welcome and no questions are asked."

Heindl said the meal program at St. James serves approximately 9,000 people a month. They offer breakfast Monday through Friday and lunch every Saturday. He noted that a good percentage of the patrons who come here are veterans.

The Sailors remained at the church throughout the morning and served a steady stream of appreciative individuals.

"Coming here shows us how a downturn in the economy can affect anyone,' said Yeoman 1st Class James Howser, assigned to NOSC Springfield, Mo. "Our presence today allows the public to see the Navy in a different light and gives us the opportunity to see all the people we're protecting."

"I think it's just outstanding that the Navy came here to help," added Heindl. "We have a large number of vets who come here and proudly wear their ship hats. You're going to hear a lot of them saying thank you today."

This visit coincided with Milwaukee Navy Week, one of 15 signature events planned across America in 2012. The weeklong event commemorates the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, hosting service members from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy

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For more news from Navy Office of Community Outreach, visit www.navy.mil/local/navco/.