A community relations project at Rhode Island Veterans Home, March 30, was a highlight of a series of events and activities by the Naval Station Newport Chiefs Mess in observance of the 123rd anniversary of the chief petty officer rank.

The NAVSTA Newport observance is an opportunity for all chief petty officers, active, reserve, and retired, to celebrate and reinforce heritage and camaraderie in the Chiefs Mess.

The events started March 28 at Ney Hall Galley with Lunch Time Galley Service provided by a contingent of 20 chiefs, senior chiefs and master chiefs who worked with Global Connections to Employment employees serving meals on the food line, restocking food items and working in the east scullery.

An early morning 2-3 mile Heritage and Pride Run, March 29, started at King Hall on Coddington Point with 23 CPOs wearing Navy and chief's pride shirts, following a route that included Coasters Harbor Island at NAVSTA Newport.

"These events are all about pride and working together with other chiefs, our brothers and sisters," said Chief Sonar Technician Gregory Morris, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, who was preparing a room for painting at the veterans home. "This week also allows me to reflect on CPO heritage and determine if I am living up to the CPO Creed."

Fifteen CPOs from NAVSTA Newport commands performed community service at the veterans home. Projects included raking and cleaning, removing and bagging debris from the North Building patio; reorganizing, folding and sorting clothing; and repairing tables that will be used in a new activity room.

"This project is about giving back to the community," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Destiny Lee, Naval Health Clinic New England. "It's also about going back to our roots and heritage as chief petty officers. We're about taking care of each other."

Chief Musician David Bogart, Navy Band Northeast, was one of several CPOs who repaired tables for use in the new activity room.

"It's about giving back to those who have gone before us," Bogart said. "We're making sure the veterans here have the highest quality of life they deserve."

"Being out here this morning working with our brother and sister chiefs helps the residents gain a better living environment," said Chief Logistics Specialist Garrett Gardiner, Center for Service Support.

"As a first year chief, it's an honor to serve amongst my brother and sister chiefs on this project," said Chief Musician Christopher Sams, NBNE.

"As a chief it's about thinking not only about yourself but about finding other ways to serve the local community."

Other NAVSTA Newport Chiefs Mess CPO birthday events include a CPO 365 Heritage Program at the Navy Supply Corps School, March 30, where the history of the Navy chief petty officer will be presented; a NAVSTA Newport CPO 365 Base Beautification Project is scheduled on March 31.

The NAVSTA Newport Chiefs Mess will assemble April 1 at NSCS to observe morning colors and to reaffirm their commitment to the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program and to ending this violent crime.

The NAVSTA Newport CPO Association will host a Birthday Dinner, April 1, at a local Veterans of Foreign Wars facility.

A CPO Association Yard Sale/Bake Sale, April 2, will conclude the week's events.

For more news from Naval Station Newport, visit www.navy.mil/