USA: NHB SCPOA Members Sponsor Thanksgiving Luncheon

Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) Second Class Petty Officers Association (SCPOA) members sponsored and served a special Thanksgiving luncheon Nov. 20 to residents and staff of Shon Hall Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ).

“The SCPOA officers prepared and served the meal to all NHB BEQ residents and BEQ staff to provide a holiday meal to those with no family in the local area and in appreciation to the BEQ staff,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Christopher Peacher, NHB SCPOA treasurer, and one of the coordinators of the event.

 “Our goal is to build relationships with our single Sailors and share our camaraderie and fellowship with fellow staff who are spending this time of year away from their family.”

The meal prepared for the Sailors included roast turkey, ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, green beans, quinoa with walnuts and Granny Smith apples, dinner rolls, a variety of pies, and assorted soft drink beverages.

“I didn’t expect [to be served a free holiday meal], but I really appreciate it,” said Hospitalman Tyree Nunn Jr., Shon Hall resident. “They know what they’re doing because I’m not a fan of turkey most days. The stuffing and the turkey was good.”

Following the blessing of the meal with a prayer, Lt. Cmdr. Timothy May, NHB command chaplain, also assisted the SCPOA members by serving the steamed vegetables in the BEQ lounge, one of the three serving stations located around the BEQ during the luncheon.

NHB Command Master Chief (SS/SW) Douglas George, as the VIP guest of the luncheon, engaged BEQ residents and staff in casual conversation after giving his thanks to SCPOA and the BEQ for taking care of the most junior personnel at the hospital during this season.

“I thought it was great. We had a big turnout and everyone was appreciative,” said George. “I don’t always get to see everyone individually so in that venue I got to talk to people one-on-one to know how they feel and to make sure they have plans for Thanksgiving and the holidays. They’re far from home and even though this is shore duty, it is challenging especially if you’re young and you’ve never been away from home before and you don’t have family here.”

“I would say this was a great success,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Kyle Hewitt, NHB physical therapy technician and NHB SCPOA president and event coordinator. “We enjoyed giving the residents the opportunity to have a holiday meal and to have one-on-one time with the CMC. We are looking forward to doing it again next year with an expanded menu and serving times to accommodate the residents working night shifts.”

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Naval Today Staff, November 26, 2012; Image: US Navy