Navy Volunteers Help Out at Local Veterans Home During Navy Birthday Week

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- A team of 18 students and staff representing the Naval War College, Navy Supply Corps School, and Officer Training Command Newport from Naval Station Newport volunteered Oct. 11 at the Rhode Island Veterans Home in honor of the Navy's 237th birthday.

The Navy Band Northeast's Brass Quintet performed a Navy Birthday celebration concert for the veterans home residents Oct. 11 during the afternoon.

The community outreach and concert were part of a weeklong schedule of special events and celebrations at Naval Station Newport that started with the installation's Navy Ball, Oct. 5, at the Officers' Club that was attended by 307 personnel.

In recognition of the Navy's 237th' Birthday on Oct. 13, Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee issued a gubernatorial proclamation declaring the day "Navy Day" in the Ocean State.

Naval Station Newport also partnered with the City of Newport's Engage Newport public outreach event, Oct. 11. Naval Station Newport provided a facilitator with information, and displays on the history and mission of the installation; the War of 1812; and information describing the economic impact of the Navy in Newport in the Ocean State.

"This being a veterans home, I feel this is an opportunity to give back to the veterans who came before us," said Ensign Benjamin Finley, a student at the Navy Supply Corps School.

Finley was one of 11 students from the Navy Supply Corps School who helped clean out a garden area bordering the facility's Alzheimer wing and moved equipment into storage areas.

"If we can help tidy up this area for the residents, that's a good thing," he said.

The contingent of Navy in Newport volunteers was large enough to make a significant difference in beautifying the grounds and common areas shared by the residents.

"If we didn't have these Navy volunteers we couldn't make a dent into what needs to be done," said civilian volunteer Margaret Hardisty, a certified master gardner.

"They are very friendly, helpful, and willing to learn. I'm so proud," she said.

"Our command wants us to do COMREL (community relations) projects, but personally, I'm happy to help out our veterans whenever possible so that they are not forgotten," said Ensign Seth Barrow, a Navy Supply Corp School student.

"It's our job to be good and responsible ambassadors to the to the world and our local communities," he said.

"I enjoy being able to help out our veterans and help to improve their environment here," said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Shelley Wallach, Officer Training Command Newport.

"They came before us and deserve to have us here," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Quentin Richardson, a member of the flag mess, Naval War College.

"It's good for us to show our gratitude and to pay respect to those who came before us," he said.

The Navy Birthday Week celebration at Naval Station Newport concludes at 8:45 a.m., Oct. 12, with an All Hands Call bell-ringing ceremony in front of the Chapel of Hope, coinciding with the Navy-wide bell ringing ceremony. The ceremony at the installation is open to all with routine base access.

For more news from Naval Station Newport, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsnewport/.