Twelve Sailors on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) volunteered at the Everett Animal Clinic Dec. 12.
Volunteers helped by painting and retouching the damage on the walls of the interior of the facility. Sailors expressed their concern and devotion to the community.
“Coming out here and integrating with the host community will show our appreciation and reflect positively on the Sailors at the command and the Navy at large,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Ignatius Okeiyimor, Nimitz’ community relations coordinator. “We haven’t been here long since our arrival, but while in port we should have enough time to give a lot more to the community.”
Community engagement projects enable military members and neighboring civilians to interact during a shared project.
“I really appreciate the Navy’s community effort to helping out the local business people and bridging that gap,” said Shannon Delgado, manager of Everett Animal Clinic.
The volunteers said they enjoyed their task and the presence of the animals that inhabit the shelter.
“I think that it’s a good opportunity for Nimitz to do something outside of the ordinary stuff that we do everyday and help the community,” said Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Mary Forrester. “This one is really fun because we get to see all of the cute animals.”
The event also served as a learning experience for some of the volunteers.
“I’ve never been to an animal shelter before, so I saw this as an opportunity to learn more about how they interact with the animals and to help out,” said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Gary Campbell. “Although painting is something different compared to what I would normally be doing, I enjoy doing what I can.”
Okeiyimor will work with Deborah Wright, the director of public relations and community activities in the city of Everett, to plan for upcoming activities to further the good-standing relationship between the command and its supporting community.
[mappress] Press Release, December 14, 2012