Guam commands win Navy community service awards

U.S. Naval Hospital Guam was named the large overseas winner for the Campaign Drug Free Flagship Award. Navy Munitions Command, East Asia Division (NMC EAD), Unit Guam was named the small overseas winner and USS Frank Cable (AS 40) was named the large overseas winner for the Environmental Stewardship Flagship Award.

Guam commands volunteer more than 300 man-hours a month to sister schools, sister villages, non-profit organizations and various community service projects.

“The volunteer efforts by our Sailors demonstrate the Navy’s commitment to the people of Guam,” said Rear Adm. Tilghman Payne, Commander, Joint Region Marianas. “Working alongside fellow island residents, our Sailors continue to make a meaningful and positive impact to the community in which we live.”

The Campaign Drug Free Award recognizes programs that best reach out to teach children about the dangers of drug abuse and promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

During the 2012-2013 award period, 176 Naval Hospital Guam staff volunteered 437 off-duty hours to the Campaign Drug Free program. The program hosted various activities including the Wave Red Ribbon Week where volunteers campaigned against abuse of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and violence. Volunteers also set up kiosks in shopping malls, handing out informational material to the public and organized weekly sporting events for troubled youth.

“Our volunteers … were innovative in continuing their outstanding interaction with the community under the Campaign Drug Free Flagship,” said Capt. Jeffery Plummer, Naval Hospital Guam commanding officer. “This program enhanced the quality of life and strengthened relationships with our neighbors on Guam.”

The Environmental Stewardship Flagship Award recognizes Navy commands that engage in exemplary voluntary community service activities that promote good stewardship of environmental resources.

Throughout the award period, Sailors from NMC EAD Unit Guam and Frank Cable partnered with island residents and organizations to tackle a wide range of community service projects that maintained, restored and protected the natural beauty and environmental conditions of Guam.

Frank Cable sailors’ volunteer work included removing shrubbery from hiking trails, painting schools, cleaning up roadways. NMC EAD Unit Guam Sailors helped paint and clean up Talofofo Elementary School prior to the start of the 2012 school year.

“NMC EAD Unit Guam is honored to have been awarded the 2013 Navy Community

Service Environmental Stewardship Flagship Award,” said Cmdr. Bart Hall, NMC EAD Unit Guam commanding officer. “The sailors assigned to NMC EAD Unit Guam take great pride in their efforts and enjoy the partnerships established with the village of Talofofo. We look forward to continuing this bond of friendship.”

The Navy annually recognizes shore, sea, and overseas commands for outstanding community service by presenting awards in six categories: USS Bainbridge (CGN 25) Award for Overall Excellence; Personal Excellence Partnership Flagship; Health, Safety, and Fitness Flagship; Campaign Drug Free Flagship; Project Good Neighbor Flagship; and Environmental Stewardship Flagship. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]