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Stout Conducts COMREL at Honduran Kindergarten

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060519-04
Release Date: 5/19/2006 9:09:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Elizabeth Enockson, USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

ROATAN, Honduras (NNS) -- USS Stout (DDG 55) Sailors participated in a community relations project (COMREL) at Ramon Amaya Amador Kindergarten in Roatan, Honduras, May 15.

Eleven volunteers visited a three-room school that caters to children ages four to six years old. The school was badly damaged during recent storms.

“It was terrible when we got here,” Storekeeper 3rd Class (SW) Allan Ysunza said. “The windows were all broken and it was very dirty. I think helping these children out is important because they don’t always get a helping hand.”

The volunteers worked for six hours replacing windows, painting and repairing furniture, cleaning classrooms, and meeting the local children.

“I wanted to help because I heard it was a school that needed repairs,” Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Richard Wilkens said. “It’s good for the reputation of the Navy, and I think everyone should be willing to help those who need it and can appreciate it.”

During their time working, the volunteers handed out shirts, Frisbees, food, water and candy to the children.

“It feels great working with the Navy because the school needs the help,” said Florence Avila, parent and volunteer for the school. “The school doesn’t have the money for the repairs, and it’s only going to make the children feel better to see their school in a better condition.”

“We are very happy the Navy is willing to help,” said Rosa Danelia Hendricks, president of the Federation of Communities. “It may not be a worth $1,000, but they choose to come here not only as tourists but to take the time to help and leave part of themselves behind. There is no price for that. They made an impression that’s going to change these children’s lives, and I have many things I can now tell my people in every community that I visit. I can tell them of the wonderful job these volunteers did and their attitude with my people. I’m not really sure how to say thank you.”

Stout has also performed COMREL projects in Curacao, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Stout is currently deployed as a unit of the “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.