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Seabees give back to community

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sailors from The Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering Detachment here earned the prestigious Emy Lou Baldridge Partnership Award Oct. 5.

Seabees are highly-trained construction workers who follow Marines during times of war.  The Seabees earned the award for volunteer efforts including the Rainbow House of Wichita Falls, a subdivision of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Former first lady Laura Bush, Greater Texas Community Partners honorary chair, presented the award during a formal ceremony. 

For two years, the Seabees at Sheppard have volunteered their time and skills to help repair flood damage, facilitate fundraisers, collect donations of school clothes and supplies and install a 2600-square-foot drop ceiling. Their hard work saved the Rainbow House thousands of dollars that was used to better serve the community. 

Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Gerdon, 366th Training Squadron instructor, organized the volunteer effort to install the drop ceiling in the Rainbow House. 

"That's what we do," Petty Officer Gerdon said. "To have this opportunity is not only a great way to give back to a community which gives so much already, but it also gives the students a chance to see what they will be doing in the fleet." 

Chief Petty Officer Paul Z. Ramirez, 366th Training Squadron instructor, said the award is only given to one group in Texas and the competition is tough. 

"This is a huge honor because we were nominated out of the whole state to receive this award. There is only one group award for the whole state," said Chief Petty Officer Ramirez. 

During the past two years, more than 150 Navy Seabee students along with 25 staff members volunteered their off duty time to give back to the community. 

"We will keep going as long as we can," Petty Officer Gerdon said. "It's a part of what we do as Seabees in the United States Navy." 

Janet Jackson, Child Protective Services, community partners coordinator for region two, praised the Seabees in an e-mail, for the helping hand they lent the Rainbow House. 

"The Navy Seabees' eagerness and consistent willingness to provide help to the Rainbow House of Wichita Falls has contributed to outstanding morale, services and a true sense of partnership in serving the children and families we work with," said Ms. Jackson. 

She said the Navy Seabees are truly shining stars and they shine the brightest whenever there is a need.