In a show of force, 21 Naval Station Everett Regional Support Organization (RSO) Sailors recently volunteered their labor at the local Everett Gospel Mission men’s shelter. The mission seeks to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the homeless and hurting in the local community, and provides both shelter and meals for 125-150 men each night.

RSO Sailors repainted the cafeteria and stairwell at the shelter. It was a familiar start to the day for these Sailors, fresh coffee in hand, armed with rollers and paint brushes. 

“I knew if we called in the Navy it would get done,” said Mission volunteer coordinator, Kelly Grayson. And get it done they did, in about three hours. 

“Just another day,” the Sailors would say, only this time they gave back to their local community. 

Sailors are often involved in community relations projects while on deployment around the globe in developing nations. But to these Sailors, it’s different when you know you’ve helped someone in your own neighborhood. 

With a growing number of our nation’s homeless being veterans, this project was especially meaningful for Veterans Day. 

“There is no greater honor than to serve those who have served us,” said Senior Chief Fire Controlman Robert Fabia.