Instilling the "Whole Sailor Concept" was the mission of Navy Recruiting Stations (NRS) Hollywood Park and De Zavala during a Delayed Entry Program (DEP) meeting held at the San Antonio Food Bank, June 6.

The meeting began with a muster and re-certifications of more than 60 future Sailors, who were recruited from both stations.

As part of the DEP meeting, the future Sailors and their recruiters assisted the food bank by sorting and packaging donated food items.

Chief Navy Counselor Isabel Guerrero, a division leading chief petty officer assigned to Navy Recruiting District (NRD) San Antonio, was the event's coordinator.

"I want my Sailors to emphasize to the future Sailors the importance of community service because the Navy looks at the 'Whole Sailor Concept,'" said Guerrero. "Not only does conducting community service benefit my recruiters, but also the future Sailors, for we want to send quality men and women to the fleet."

According to Guerrero, it's not just about doing your job. It's also about being the face of the Navy.

Joining Guerrero was Navy Recruiting District Commanding Officer Cmdr. Jeffrey Reynolds.

"It was great to be here to join the Sailors and future Sailors in giving back to the community," said Reynolds, from Raleigh, N.C. "Having a community relations project during a DEP meeting is kind of a non-standard way of interacting with community."

According to Reynolds, conducting community service is an integral part of naval service, whether it be at a homeport or aboard overseas.

Future Sailor Savanna Vereen, from San Antonio, was appreciative of the opportunity to volunteer.

"The food bank does a lot for the community and I would love to come back again and volunteer," said Vereen, who will serve as an operations specialist in America's Navy. "I like to thank the food bank for all that it does for the city and allowing us to come and volunteer."

At the conclusion of the event, the volunteers received a detailed briefing by Mark Ortiz, the food bank's volunteer engagement coordinator.

"We could have not accomplished the tasks today without the support of the Sailors and other volunteers," said Ortiz. "This was a great day, as we were able to complete two projects."

According to Ortiz, the volunteers filled 575 bags of produce and sorted 19,447 pounds of food which will provide 15,558 meals.

"We could not have done this alone," said Ortiz. "We appreciate your time to come here and help those families in need."

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