Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Vice Adm. William Hilarides, spoke to more than 80 members and guests of the Overland Park Rotary Club, Aug. 17, during a club meeting.

His presentation, "Being There Matters," covered the Navy's varied capabilities including building global relationships, protecting waterways and humanitarian assistance.

"This is really about you and what your Navy does for you," said Hilarides.

Hilarides is serving as one of the spokespersons for the Kansas City Navy Week, which runs through Aug. 23.

"When you're trying to get a message out to a lot of people, a speech to a very large number of people has a certain amount of effect," said Hilarides. "But, when you can talk to a small group, make a personal connection with them the message amplifies many, many times and so the small groups are actually best and the rotary event was particularly good."

The speaking engagement at the Overland Park Rotary Club is one of many Kansas City Navy Week events planned to educate the local community about why having a strong Navy is critical to the American way of life.

"I don't know a lot about the Navy," said Trish Reedy, Overland Park Rotary Club President Elect. "It was good basic information."

Navy Weeks are designed to raise awareness about the Navy in areas that traditionally do not have a naval presence and include community relation projects, speaking engagements and media interviews with flag hosts and area Sailors.

"There was a lot of excitement about this event," said David Austin, Overland Park Rotary Club speaker coordinator. "You could tell by the audience size, there were about 20 more people than usual."

The Overland Park Rotary club is comprised of approximately 140 men and women of various job fields who are committed to each other and supporting their community through service. The club also includes many veterans.

"We have a lot of veterans in our group," said Reedy. "It means a lot to them and for the continued connection."

Kansas City Navy Week is one of 12 cities selected to host a 2015 Navy Week, designed to raise awareness of the Navy. The Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) coordinates these events. NAVCO is a unit tasked with enhancing the Navy's brand image in areas with limited exposure to the Navy.

For related news, visit the Navy Office of Community Outreach Navy Newsstand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/navco/.