Sailors from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Volunteer to Help Community

Sailors from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) volunteered for three community relations projects in Norfolk, Va., Feb. 15.

Sailors sorted donations at a food bank, spread mulch and painted at a botanical garden, and stained the amphitheatre at a state park.

Ike Sailors completed a job that other Ike Sailors started one year ago at First Landing State Park. They stained the park’s newly built amphitheatre; a move that will save them years worth of money and maintenance time.

“A year ago, Sailors from the Eisenhower helped us build this amphitheatre and here they are today, helping us stain the wood.” said Bruce Wagner, First Landing State Park manager. “The amphitheatre is used for things like weddings and musical performances. The staining that these Sailors are applying today should last a solid 5 years before we need the Eisenhower’s help again.”

Other Sailors spent the day sorting food donations at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. Sailors sorted items like breads, canned goods, and other various foods to make it easier to distribute the donations.

“I think volunteering at the Foodbank today is a wonderful thing,” said Lt. Eric Cochrane, Ike chaplain. “We have a community that supports us, they make us welcome here so the least we can do is give back.”

Ike Sailors also spread mulch and painted at a local 155-acre botanical garden. Opened in 1938, Norfolk Botanical Gardens currently contains various themed gardens which require regular care to maintain.

“It was great getting some fresh air and exercise out in the sun today,” said Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Joseph Washburn. “I helped with the rose garden by spreading mulch into a nice, even coat on the flowerbeds. I am proud of my work and plan on bringing my wife here to visit in summer when the roses bloom.”

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Naval Today Staff , February 20, 2012