WACO, Texas - Rear Adm. James Bynum, Chief of Naval Air Training, paid a visit to the Heart of Texas Veterans One Stop April 4 for a fish fry as part of Waco Navy Week. The visit, and Navy Week, is part of an effort planned and executed by the Navy Office of Community Outreach, that brings Sailors to different cities across the country where they conduct focused outreach events with area residents to increase knowledge about the Navy. "I had a fantastic time at the Veterans One Stop event this morning," said Bynum. "Part of our goal for Waco Navy Week is to meet with the brave men and women in the area who have honorable served this country." More than 200 veterans, ranging from those who had served in World War II to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, packed the Veterans One Stop facility--where veterans and their families are able to receive a variety of fundamental services at one location--for a chance to get to talk with Bynum and the 15 Sailors who also attended, over a plate of fish and chips. "We're proud to show what we do for veterans," said Delisa Russell, director of the Heart of Texas Veterans One Stop. "You could see the joy on everyone's face to get to be a part of this. We take pride in the fact that we are the first Veterans One Stop in Waco and that Rear Adm. Bynum also comes from here. We like to say that we start great things." In addition to providing a venue where the Navy could reach out to Waco-area veterans, this event also allowed veterans of the Vietnam War to receive a small token of their country's esteem during the 50th anniversary of the conflict in the form a lapel pin issued by the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, whose objective is to highlight the Armed Forces' service during the war. Although the Navy Week provided the opportunity for this fish fry, the focus of the event was aimed at the veterans. "It was a humbling experience to hear some of their stories today," said Bynum. Waco Navy Week is one of 14 planned across America in 2018 and provides opportunities for U.S. Navy Sailors to engage with all levels of the public from children in schools to elected officials and corporate leaders. For a complete schedule and more information about Waco Navy Week, visit www.outreach.navy.mil. Join the conversation with our social media: Facebook.com/NavyOutreach Twitter: @NavyOutreach Instagram: @US_Navy_Outreach #NavyWeek