Sailors assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) volunteered at the Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 17.

Established in 1981, the Al Noor Training Centre is a non-profit organization that provides professional training and care to individuals who have various physical and cognitive challenges such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism.

"It is amazing what they are able to do for the children at the center," said Seaman Yomar Plaza Ruiz, from Puerto Rico. "They have a lot of people willing to help them and the children are very happy."

After taking a tour of the facility, the Sailors divided into groups and spent the day participating in a variety of activities with the children.

"I went to their gymnasium and played with the kids," said Plaza Ruiz. "We joined them in ping pong, basketball, aerobic exercises and dancing. Getting to see them smile and have such a good time was heartwarming."

"I worked with children during their physical therapy sessions," said Operations Specialist 2ndnd Class Joshua Orozco, from Los Angeles. "Some of them are nonverbal and struggle to stand, so getting to do something with them that may improve that was something that I feel honored to have gotten to do."

More than 200 children, ranging from age 3 to 18 years old, attend the center.

"Getting to be around the children was a very humbling experience," said Orozco. "You gain a little perspective when you see special needs children with such positive attitudes. If they can look at life like that, then everyone can."

All 11 Sailors who attended the volunteer event agreed it was a great experience and said they were thankful for the opportunity.

"I'm so happy I decided to volunteer for this event," said Plaza Ruiz. "You join the Navy to make a difference. I don't know if we made a difference, but I think we brightened their day. They sure brightened ours."

Lake Erie is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.



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