Last modified Wed., March 12, 2008 - 04:41 PM
Originally created Thursday, March 13, 2008

CPRW-11 reaches out to the local community

By IT2 Stephanie Nimphius, CPRW-11

IT1(SW) Patrick Kean of Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven serves lunch to two retirees at the nearby local retirement home in Jacksonville. Photo courtesy of CPRW-11

A group of petty officers from Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven (CPRW-11) provided a lunchtime meals to retirees living at a local retirement home through the Community Kosher Nutrition Program Feb. 19-22 to show support in the local community.

Community service is a long-standing tradition for military units stationed in Jacksonville. Military units have fostered and developed a program of mutual sharing and understanding between the people of Jacksonville.

The petty officers served a variety of foods including spaghetti, chicken, turkey, fruits and salads. The Community Kosher Nutrition Program caters to 80 civilian retirees and seniors. Many of the residents thanked the group for their service to their country and for serving such a wonderful lunch.

"I had a great time," said ET2(SW/AW) April Wood. "It was nice visiting with the retirees and gaining a true sense of community. Everyone was friendly and appreciative. I will definitely be coming back again and again."

The Sailors shared sea stories, trading tales of changed rules and old traditions that still remain. After talking with the retirees, the CPRW-11 staff seemed to have a newfound respect for the Navy in which they serve and the positions they hold. "Many of the residents were also Holocaust survivors," said IT1(SW) Patrick Kean. "Sitting down and talking to them gives you a sense of history. It was like turning the pages of a history book."