Phil Sea Serves Different Type of Service

The community relations activity took place at Lucy's Hearth, a homeless shelter in Newport, Rhode Island, and capped off a week-long port as school ship for the Naval War College and Surface Warfare Officer School.

Lucy's Hearth is a 24-hour emergency and transitional shelter for homeless women and their children, most of whom are homeless due to family crisis, eviction, divorce, economic hardship, or the lack of safe, affordable housing.

Philippine Sea Sailors worked nearly seven hours doing interior painting of resident and common area rooms and office spaces, furniture relocation, and light maintenance consisting of cleaning, organizing, and crib assembly, breaking only for a short lunch.

The Lucy's Hearth staff was taken aback by both the work ethic as well as the large number of volunteers that the Sailors, in true Philippine Sea fashion, provided.

For Yeoman 1st Class (SW/AW) Gracie Hudson, the event was equally memorable and rewarding as it afforded her the opportunity to get off the ship and extend a helping hand in a meaningful way.

"It's always good to give back," said Hudson. "I appreciate the opportunity to be here and help out."

Similarly, Electronics Technician 3rd Class Kenneth Ferguson left Lucy's Hearth with a softened heart and a sense of accomplishment.

"The best part is being able to directly see the impact and difference you can make in someone's life. We left that shelter looking brand new; both the staff and residents showed sincere appreciation and thanks for our effort," remarked Ferguson.

The children enthusiastically waved goodbye and their mothers expressed their gratitude as Philippine Sea Sailors returned to their ship with heads held high and all smiles after having embraced and perhaps gaining a greater understanding of the idea of service to one's country.