More than 300 Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines, along with volunteers for the United Service Organizations, spent the morning aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) building 500 children's bicycles, May 26.The event, Operation That's My Ride, was held aboard the amphibious assault ship as part of 2016 Fleet Week New York. The 500 bicycles were built for children ages 2 through 8 years old, and include a helmet and instruction manual for safe cycling. The bicycles will be given to participating service member for their children back home, and come complete with a bow and note of appreciation.
The volunteers were from many different local corporations who came together to volunteer with the USO. The USO hosts numerous events for service members during FWNY and is one of the main sponsors for the week-long celebration.
First time bike builder volunteer Mariya Hurwitz sees the value in this event.
"I am having so much fun doing this," said Hurwitz. "I think it generates a lot of good publicity for the services. It makes me feel good to do something to help."
USS Bataan First Class Petty Officer Association President Legalman 1st Class Danielle Greeley was happy to help and encouraged other first class petty officers to participate.
"It was a phenomenal experience," said Greeley. "The volunteers were so enthusiastic to be here helping. It was a great turnout from the FCPOA and it made me proud to be a part of something that will be putting smiles on kids' faces. Bataan will get 178 of these bikes to give out to our crew's kids."
The President and CEO of the USO of Metropolitan New York Brian Whiting noted this is just one way we can help to ensure that sacrifices made by military families are not forgotten.
"We will work hand-in-hand with the Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen to assemble the bicycles and write some notes of support to the children of the military families to say thank you for the sacrifices and service of their parents, Whiting said. "It is just a good way to recognize the service of those that wear the uniform."
FWNY, held nearly every year since 1984, it is the city's celebration of the sea services. The weeklong event provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, and showcase sea service personnel, technology, and capabilities.
For up-to-date information on all FWNY events, visit the official FWNY website at www.fleetweeknewyork.com, "Like" FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, or "Follow" @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. FWNY photos can be viewed on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/fwnypao and Instagram at www.instagram.com/fleetweeknyc. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, visit www.navy.mil/.
