Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

For Sailors in a Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) environment, finding the time to balance career goals, life goals and volunteer work can be very difficult, but Sailors who want to make an impact in their community, make the time.

Machinist's Mate 1st Class Tommy Wylie Jr., leading petty officer for Engineering Department's A-Gang Hydraulic Shop aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), takes pride in the volunteer work he does throughout the Hampton Roads area. He is especially proud to work with American Legion Riders Chapter 255, escorting funeral processions for veterans and doing beautification work in the community.

"I encourage all Sailors, not just mine, to do something for the Navy, do something for the community, and do something for your family every day," said Wylie. "Every day, those three things should be your main priority."

Wylie lives by his own advice, takes time every day to spend with his wife and his son volunteering. He has also taught the value of volunteering to his son, often bringing his son to volunteer events, or doing simple things like cleaning up around town while spending time together.

"We're definitely making a difference in the community," said Wylie. "We're showing people we care about the community we're in."

Wylie's dedication to volunteering began when he was riding his motorcycle and was approached by a member of the American Legion Riders Chapter 255. Since then, volunteering has become a big part of his life.

"American Legion Riders gives veterans a place to go, where they can just relax and enjoy themselves," said Wylie. "They have low cost drinks and food, and even game night on the weekends."

Most recently, Wylie enlisted the aid of six Sailors from his department to assist the Highland Clean City Commission to clean up and restore The Historic Oakland Cemetery 1861 located in Hampton, Virginia.

Their hard work did not go unnoticed by visitors and other volunteers at the cemetery. Marquita Latta, a dedicated citizen who's been visiting the cemetery since 1952.

"It makes my heart want to jump out of my chest in joy," said Marquita Latta, a dedicated citizen who's been visiting the cemetery since 1952. "It's such a relief for people to see how much help is needed and then reach out to make a difference."

Many veterans are laid to rest in the cemetery, but there is no formal care or maintenance on the property. The cemetery has been abandoned by its owners and is now maintained by the hard work and dedication of citizens like Latta and Wylie.

Whenever a person volunteers, they are taking a step toward making the world a better place. Like Mahatma Ghandi said, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world."

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit http://www.navy.mil/.