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Here's a great article I found at www.northwestnavigator.com: -- More than 170 Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) gave back to the Singapore community during community relations events while in port, April 16-20. Lincoln’s religious ministries department coordinated nine projects for the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and six of those projects were for Abraham Lincoln and its crew. From gardening and cleaning up to spending time with senior citizens, Sailors spent some of their liberty leaving a lasting impression. “COMREL (community relations) is important because it leaves a positive difference in the communities we visit,” said Chief Religious Programs Specialist (SW) Ronald Roberts, leading chief petty officer for Abraham Lincoln’s religious ministries department. “It’s also important because it provides an opportunity for Sailors to participate in an event that is personally rewarding, which ultimately enhances their deployment experience.” Abraham Lincoln Sailors assisted Singaporeans at the Riding for the Disabled Center (RDA) by re-leveling the riding arena. According to Roberts, RDA is an organization that provides horse-riding therapy for disabled children. It is a no-cost service for all disabled children “Our team shoveled sand into wheelbarrows and distributed it throughout the arena; then we used rakes and hoes to level the area,” Roberts said. Roberts added that many participants said they enjoyed being able to give back to the community through their efforts. “The best part is knowing that we are helping to enhance this organization’s ability to provide such a worthwhile service to all the disabled children throughout Singapore,” Roberts said. Another group of volunteers helped clean up one of Sentosa Island’s beaches by picking up garbage and debris that washed up onto the shore. Participants picked up plastic bottles, fishing line, trash and fallen leaves. “You’re giving something back,” said Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Jerome Faluk, the beach cleanup community relations organizer. “Singapore is so gracious in letting us come over and enjoy great liberty here. We’re just giving a little something back, which builds friendships and partnerships. It’s outstanding to be able to do something like this.” Seventeen Abraham Lincoln Sailors arrived at the Salvation Army’s Peacehaven to spend some quality time with disabled senior citizens. Members from Abraham Lincoln’s full gospel choir sang “Amazing Grace” and other songs while volunteers spent some one-on-one time with the elderly residents. “This COMREL was simply about sharing some of our culture and personalities with a group of elderly people,” said Religious Programs Specialist 3rd Class Sean Schreiber. The Abraham Lincoln port visit to Singapore is part of the carrier’s current deployment as they transit to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/regionalnews/abe_sailors_give_back_to_singapore/