The mission of the Command Religious Ministries Department (CRMD) aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), is to bolster the morale of the crew. CRMD provides Sailors with access to religious services, run the ship's library, maintain computers for Sailors use and offer counseling services for Sailors needing guidance. Another important service the department provides is volunteer opportunities for Sailors through community relations projects (COMRELs). The COMRELs allow communities around the world to see U.S. Navy Sailors helping those in need, while showing the Sailors the benefits of serving more than their country. Each COMREL can be different Sailors might find themselves cleaning up a park, putting groceries in bags to give the poor, giving less fortunate children the supplies they need for a new school year or painting an orphanage, to name a few. "COMRELs allow us, the Sailors, to be the ambassadors for the Navy within our community," said Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Tameka Dingle, CRMD's COMREL coordinator. "COMRELs don't just help the Sailors destress, they also allow us to strengthen our relations with the community." The projects also give Sailors a sense of pride. "Being able to help out during COMRELs makes me happy to know that I took part in something greater than myself and that I invested into the lives of others," said Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Tyler Williams, who has CRMD links Sailors to Community participated in several GHWB COMRELs. "COMRELs are a great opportunity to reach out to others who need the help, while being a great learning experience." There are bi-weekly COMREL meetings held in the ship's Chapel on Tuesdays. At the meetings, department COMREL representatives discuss events that are happening in the near-term, as well as plan future events. "Having COMREL meetings makes it easier to communicate with each department and see what kind of events they may want to attend," said Religious Programs Specialist Seaman Jason Mills, CRMD's assistant COMREL coordinator. "COMRELs are a great showcase for a command to bring value to the communities they inhabit, and they also give the Sailors involved a chance to expand their leadership experience while helping people and causes that need it. " Mills has noticed that the Sailors who attend the COMRELs regularly seem happier. "I care about the morale of my shipmates," said Mills. "Morale affects every aspect of your life. It's the most important thing when it comes to work effectiveness while maintaining a healthy professional and personal lifestyle."