It was early in the morning, June 5, as members of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington's (CVN 73) Mustang Association prepared breakfast in the kitchen of the Norfolk Ronald McDonald House Foundation.

The sound of bacon and sausage sizzling in a frying pan filled the air as an officer ferociously whisked away at a bowl of several dozen eggs.

The Mustangs have frequently supported the Norfolk Ronald McDonald House in various ways and this time they cooked breakfast for the families residing there. The Ronald McDonald House supports families in need by providing a home to rest and refresh while their children receive treatment at local children's hospitals.

"The purpose of the Mustangs getting together is to build camaraderie," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Carl Smith. "Going out to different COMRELs (community relations events) helps us learn how to work together and still have fun at the same time. Being able to cook breakfast for some well-deserving families who are in a tough time really helps to build morale, not only for those families, but for the Mustangs as well."

As the wee hours of the morning pressed on, more and more Mustangs arrived, assisting in different areas of the kitchen that was becoming busier and busier by the minute.

"Participating in the COMREL means a lot to me," said Lt. Kris Greene, a member of the Mustang Association. "I have two small daughters and the thought of one of them getting an illness or a disease and admitted to the children's hospital helps me understand how the parents staying here feel at the Ronald McDonald House."

As the families staying at the House awoke and went to the kitchen, they were greeted by several smiling Sailors offering plates of the freshly made breakfast.

"It makes me feel good knowing that there are organizations like this out there to help families in need," said Greene. "This has been a very fulfilling experience. Being here and making breakfast for these families is just my way of saying I feel your pain and I am here to help."

Sailors continued cooking as Vickie Kennedy, the house manager at the Ronald McDonald Charity, walked in to the kitchen smiling at the warm reception she received from the Mustangs.

"I love having Carl Smith and the rest of the Mustangs here," said Kennedy. "He has an infectious spirit that brightens everyone's day and his positive character really helps the families that are staying here start their day in a positive manner."

Kennedy walked around the kitchen talking with the officers thanking them all for coming and posed for several pictures with members of the Mustang Association.

"I just want to say thank you all so much for your service and everything y'all do for the community," said Kennedy. "The actions you guys did today had such a positive impact on the families here and they won't soon forget the selflessness shown this morning."

Breakfast came to an end as the Mustangs were scattered about the kitchen and dining room. From cleaning the counters and washing dishes to chatting among the families who dined a few feet away; for a brief few hours, all worries seemed to drift away with laughter and conversation.

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

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/.