Recruit Division Commanders from Recruit Training Command volunteered with Girl Scouts Brownie Troops Service Unit 415, Feb. 10, in Vernon Hills, Illinois.

The event was part of the Girl Scouts Brownie Troops' monthly meeting. The Sailors focused on teaching basic first aid, allowing the girls a chance to earn a Junior Legacy National Proficiency Badge.

"Our main focus is to give our girls an opportunity to be exposed to life skills that build character, courage and competence, making the world a better place," said Linda DeGati, Girl Scouts Brownie Troops Service Unit 415 co-leader. "Having Sailors come to give age-appropriate first aid training to the 2nd grade Brownie troops demonstrates to them the services our men and women give to our country while delivering basic lifesaving skills."

Discussing basic first aid with the Girl Scouts also provided the Sailors a favorable time to demonstrate the possibilities for girls and women to serve in the Navy.

"Our older girls have been asking for an opportunity to meet service members, and they have participated in projects for military members and their families," said DeGati. "Prior to this meeting, the older Girl Scouts learned about military life and families by writing Valentine's Day notes to active service members. During this meeting, older siblings attended, which gave them a special opportunity to meet active duty military in person."

Six hospital corpsmen and one electrician's mate participated in the event. They provided a snapshot of their lives prior to enlisting, their current jobs and responsibilities, and what achievements a Navy career has yielded for them.

"We are Navy hospital corpsmen, but all Sailors are trained on basic first aid so we can all save lives if an emergency happens," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Shannon Dawkins.

Being a female active duty Sailor and a corpsman, Dawkins was able to relate to the girls who were happy to see her.

"I was surprised at the comprehension of the girls and how quickly they learned the concepts of basic first aid," said Dawkins. "While teaching them the proper use of EpiPen (a medical device) procedures, the girls were able to learn and demonstrate proper usage on the first try."

Dawkins said she appreciates the Navy allowing her to work in environments where she could actively practice saving and protecting lives in service of her country.

"I'm a lot more composed and a professional person. I feel the Navy gave me that confidence and courage for any stressful situation I may face in life," said Dawkins.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Giahuy Do Who, one of the event coordinators, was appreciative of meeting with the Girl Scouts.

"I volunteer for many different events while here at Great Lakes, but never with the Girl Scouts," said Do. "I'm glad I had this chance to teach kids about the importance of first aid and utilize my Navy experiences and training as a hospital corpsman."

DeGati said she was humbled by the Sailors' presence and their willingness to help the Girl Scouts earn a badge.

"I am grateful for them for not only serving their country, but for also taking the time to teach and mentor our future," said DeGati. "I was amazed in the interest and amount of Sailors who volunteered for the meeting."

Community service is a longstanding tradition in the Navy. Sailors volunteer to show appreciation for their local communities and to thank American citizens for the investment they have made in their military.

For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.