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Oscar Austin Provides Shelter in Palermo

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071126-03
Release Date: 11/26/2007 1:42:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian A. Goyak, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Sigonella

PALERMO, Italy (NNS) -- Twenty-five Sailors from USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) participated in a community relations project Nov. 21, helping Catholic missionaries rehabilitate homeless shelters in Palermo, Italy.

"We wanted to take the opportunity to help out in the local community to engage at the personal level with the Italians and learn about the local community and help in just a small way," said Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Kennedy, executive officer of Oscar Austin.

The Sailors were split into two teams. The first group spent the day landscaping, demolishing old concrete structures and clearing debris for future construction at the Mission of Hope and Charity, a shelter primarily utilized by immigrants and refugees. The second group helped with landscaping and cleaning at House of Welcome for Woman, a separate shelter established for single women and children.

"This experience is great for me because I love doing [community relations]," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Ulysses Hall. "I've been on five deployments and try to volunteer my time on each one. This is one the best [community relations] events I've ever done because I get to use a jackhammer."

Brother Biagio Conte established both shelters after devoting his life to the poor and disenfranchised following a visit to the grave of St. Francis when he was 28 years old. In addition to food and shelter refugees also receive legal advice pertaining to immigration questions.

"We are experiencing this great opportunity of getting 25 volunteers from the U.S. Navy helping in two different places," said Conte. "This was something I was looking for, but I couldn't believe people from the U.S. would come here. Today, I am witnessing this with my eyes and I am very happy that they are here and providing a superb job."