USS Wasp, MEU 26 Visit Port Everglades Elderly

Forty Sailors and Marines from amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) and Marine Expeditionary Unit 26 (MEU 26) visited veterans and the seniors at a veteran’s community and an elderly care facility in Broward County, Fla., April 26.

Starting at 8 a.m. and under a special police escort through the local rush hour traffic, Sailors and Marines headed for their first stop at Advocate Home Services for a special veterans program.

While at Advocate, Sailors and Marines had coffee and donuts with veterans who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. The volunteers also heard remarks from local elected officials.

For some Sailors and Marines this was an excellent opportunity for networking and a chance to hear stories from “the greatest generation.”

“This was an amazing opportunity to talk with veterans from WWII,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class Samuel Johnson. “It felt great listening to so many stories of how the Navy used to do things and some of the veterans remembering old cadences they use to sing. I am glad Wasp decided to be part of this program.”

After leaving Advocate, Sailors and Marines headed for Independence Hall where seniors waited by the main entrance patiently to greet them with waving American flags, smiles and waves.

“We are so happy the Navy and Marines decided to come here today,” said Jill Gentile, a resident of Independence Hall. “This is the highlight for today. I want to say thanks for nice young men and women coming to spend some of their time with us for lunch.”

Wasp Sailors will be in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., from April 25-29 celebrating Navy Week, and during that time they will participate in a wide range of events consisting of various receptions, community relations projects and inter-ship competitions.

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Naval Today Staff , April 30, 2012;