USS Stout Conducts Community Relations Project in Nicaragua
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060513-09
Release Date: 5/13/2006 10:36:00 PM
By Journalist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Elizabeth Enockson, USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
EL BLUFF, Nicaragua (NNS) -- USS Stout (DDG 55) Sailors participated in a community relations (COMREL) project May 11 at Virgen del Carmen, a school in El Bluff, Nicaragua.
During their nearly five hours at the school, where 388 students attend classes, 11 Stout Sailors helped rearrange the school yard to prepare it for future construction. They also played with the children, took pictures, and answered questions about the Navy and their visit.
Afterwards, the volunteers walked into town to purchase school supplies.
“I hope we made a positive impact on the children,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class (SW) Anne Sanders. “They made me appreciate everything I have, and after the project was finished, we all chipped in to buy school supplies just in case they needed them.”
“We arrived back at the school and gave the books to the teachers,” said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Franklin Bogus, COMREL coordinator. “The donation that we provided will go a very long way. She was very grateful."
The Sailors each chipped in for the school supplies, buying 110 notebooks, 15 rulers and 25 pencil sharpeners. After they delivered the supplies, the volunteers headed back to the ship knowing they had made an impact.
“I think it’s a good thing we did today,” said Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class (SW) Richard Molina. “I enjoyed interacting with the kids.”
Stout is currently deployed as part of "Partnership of the Americas," a maritime training and readiness deployment of U.S. naval forces with countries from the Caribbean and Latin America, in support of U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security.
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