Sailors from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN69)(Ike) V-3 and V-4 divisions of Air department hosted a dinner for senior citizens in the Hampton Roads area, Sept. 21.

The dinner was held in a conference center near Ike's home port where off duty Sailors delivered hot meals to senior citizens as part of their long-term commitment to charitable acts.

This event is one of many the group has participated in monthly over the last year.

"We've serviced over 650 clients in the last year," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 1st Class Brian Ellis, V-4 leading petty officer and organizer of the charity. "My wife goes on Friday afternoons to pick up 50-70 cases of liquid nutrients. Then Saturday morning 10-15 of us meet up at Greenbrier Mall and break up into groups of two or three to deliver it."

More than 60 Ike Sailors have committed off-duty hours towards these community service projects. The V-3/V-4 community service team operates through Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia.

"It's wonderful," Ellis said of his interaction with the senior citizens. "When we drop the nutrients off we sit down and talk to them and make sure everything is good with them. We look around their houses and make sure they're living okay, and make sure there's nothing going on with their health."

Ellis recalled a 105-year-old woman who, when asked how she lived to be that age, would tell them it was because she walked one block every day, even though it would take her nearly an hour. Getting to know people and hearing about their lives inspires and drives Ellis and his team to continue to work hard. And it has paid off. They were recognized last year by the Volunteer Hampton Roads Program and are going to enter again this year as a military division.

But with or without this kind of recognition, fellow volunteer Aviation Boatswains Mate (Fuels) 1st Class Eleazer Rodriguez is quick to point out that receiving accolades is not nearly as meaningful as adding to the lives of the people they help.

"It's not just going out and delivering nutrients that is important. It makes an impact on them when they see you there," Rodriguez said. "They smile, they say thank you, and it's really rewarding."

Besides delivering liquid nutrients, they have delivered pet food to those unable to get it themselves and have made a tremendous effort to feed the homeless. In fact, last year about 50 Sailors gave up their Christmas day to bring out hot dishes for those without a home.

"It's a great program and very humbling," Rodriguez said. "It would be nice to branch out and get more departments involved."


For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.