Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) took part in a community relations event at Retsil Washington Veteran's Home in Port Orchard, Wash., August 31.

While preparing and serving shaved ice during a Shaved Ice Social at the home, Sailors got the opportunity to interact on a personal level with the residents.

"I love coming here," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Krystal Mebius. "I love to see their smiles and personalities come out. The residents are funny and the staff here is really fun."
Sailors use opportunities like these to positively connect with their local community and give back to the past generations who once served before them.

"I appreciate these guys coming down and visiting," said Douglas King, a Retsil resident and Army retiree from Clamore, Oklahoma. "The values you grow up with in your small town definitely aren't the same as other people you meet around the world, but people in the military all share certain values. I love it when they come."

Nimitz Sailors have been visiting the residents for the past two years while the ship has been in the shipyards and expect to continue volunteering the future.

"Sailors put smiles on the residents' faces, and they love talking to them about their careers and what they're doing," said Brandy Worland, a recreation specialist at Retsil. "They love to hear their stories and tell all of their stories to them."


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