In conjunction with Norfolk's Adopt-A-Spot program, Sailors from aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower's (CVN 69)(Ike) First Class Petty Officers Association (FCPOA) spent the morning cleaning up litter on Raby Road as part of a community relations project, Sept. 28.

Adopt-a-Spot is a community initiative that gives people the opportunity to contribute to a healthier and cleaner environment by engaging volunteers to undertake coordinated litter cleanups of designated areas in Norfolk. Ike's FCPOA recently adopted Raby Road, and a sign at one end of the road names them as the caretakers.

"I wanted to have a place where we could continuously come out and volunteer, and by adopting this street we can," said Legalman 1st Class Chardae Longshore, FCPOA president and assistant leading petty officer for legal department. "This gives us a chance to always come out and help, but not just us. The first classes who come after us can help, and we can also bring out our proteges out - the Second Class [Petty Officers] Association - and provide everyone a place to consistently volunteer."

Longshore said she looks forward to many more mornings out on Raby Road as the association works to give back to the community they serve.

"By putting up the sign on the road and showing our presence out here a couple times a month or so, we can inspire the community to make a difference," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class William Jae, leading petty officer of the administration department. "Maybe seeing us out here and the work we're doing, the people will think twice about throwing trash on the road and instead come out and help."

Jae said the volunteer work is also a great opportunity to network with those petty officers first class he may not see on a regular basis.

"Now when I see them or I have a question or an issue, I know who they are and I can reach out," said Jae. "Because of events like this, we have that connection now."

Longshore said, for her, it shows Ike cares about the community and that the Sailors of the FCPOA are dedicated to giving back.

"Part of being a well-rounded Sailor is giving back to the community," said Longshore. "This makes me feel good, and I feel proud when we come out here and clean up the street like this. This is good for us and for the city."

The FCPOA routinely coordinates and conducts community relations projects around Hampton Roads as part of the organization's commitment to volunteering.

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