Sailors associated with USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) volunteered at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington D.C., April 24.

Lincoln Sailors travelled to Washington D.C. to assist with setting up and helping home residents attend a choir performance presented by the Scarborough High School choir from Scarborough, Maine.

JEA members were excited to assist the AFRH and their residents because they understand the importance of giving back to the community.

"It's nice to be able to help out the veterans and give them the respect they deserve," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Apprentice Marshall Dawson.

The JEA Sailors recognize the importance of community service and what it means to give back to the military and veteran community.

"Our whole goal is to reach out and help the community while representing the Navy in a positive way," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Jaclynn Madden. "It's 10 times more rewarding knowing that we're going to give back to the people who have served before us."

The residents said that they looked forward to meeting and speaking with current active-duty military members because it gives them a chance to get to know their relief.

"We enjoy having active-duty personnel come in," said Franklin Lawrence, resident and community relations associate. "We appreciate that you take the time to come down and spend time with us."

Many of the residents at the Armed Forces Retirement Home appreciate it when groups come to the home to perform because it gives residents, who are less independent, to enjoy music performances.

The Scarborough High School choir performance consisted of a variety of music styles featuring songs such as "So Happy Together" by The Turtles and "If" by David Gates.

Lincoln is currently undergoing a refueling complex overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Va.

Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz-class to undergo an RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation's defense.


For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/.