FRCSE Sailors Volunteer For NB Elementary Field Day Spectacular

The Sailors helped 325 youngsters from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade.

"I did not know what to expect; however, it was an outstanding opportunity to give back to the community. It was a great experience that I will never forget," said Yeoman 2nd Class William Early.

The Sailors assisted in a variety of events including refereeing, score keeping, providing moral support for the athletes, handing out awards to tournament winners, and general clean up after the tournament.

"I now appreciate, at a whole new level, how heroic our children's families are. I think it's important military members come out and show their support," said Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class Sean Lloyd. "It helps give back to the community and it's a great morale booster. We get to come out and help the athletes and see the smiles on their faces."

"Volunteers give back to a 'greater good,' he added. "We help here in Mayport, while someone else volunteers in Jacksonville and someone else volunteers somewhere else, but in the end, every child gets the attention and assistance they need."

Teamwork, cooperation, and communication were the focus of the events. The kids participated in numerous activities to solve and overcome problems in order to be successful. Some of the challenges included building towers more than two meters tall, tug-of-war and relay races.

The day proved to be successful as the students became more and more effective at cooperating and problem solving throughout the events.

"There are many things that would not get done if there were no volunteers. You have to ask yourself, if not me, then who? And if not now, then when?," said Rebecca Howell, Neptune Beach Elementary School's Physical Education Instructor. "Because so many moms and dads can be and often are deployed, we've redoubled our efforts to support the children of those parents. Volunteers don't just make a difference, they are the difference."

For Aviation Support Equipmentman 1st Class Jonathan Deluna, organizing this community outreach has rewards for both the community and the volunteers.

"I enjoy the feeling of helping out, it's important for children to see their parents are helping - it tells the child 'you are important, that's why I'm here,'" Deluna said. "I think it's important our children's teachers see us and our families for what we are, members of the local community, not mystical or mythical entities, but actual citizens. Volunteering really makes that point."