OPM Delivers Toys to Children of TR Sailors

OPM Delivers Toys to Children of TR Sailors
Story Number: NNS031224-09
Release Date: 12/24/2003 12:20:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Andre McIntyre, Naval Reserve Mobile Public Affairs Det. 206, Norfolk

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Twenty-five employees of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) traveled from their headquarters in Washington to the hangar bay of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Dec. 13 to deliver roughly 1,300 toys to children of Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier.

For the last two years, OPM has provided more than 1,600 toys for this event.

OPM adopted the carrier shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, when the ship and crew were fighting the global war on terrorism in the Middle East. OPM Director Kay Coles James adopted the crew because, prior to becoming President, Theodore Roosevelt served as U.S. Civil Service commissioner.

The ship was deployed for five months this year in support for Operation Iraqi Freedom and is now undergoing sea-trials, requiring the crew to spend more time away from homeport and loved ones.

Last month, OPM Director James and Theodore Roosevelt Commanding Officer (CO) Capt. "Turk" Green, kicked off their third annual toy drive for the families of the ship's crew. The goal of the toy drive this year was 1,000 toys. The OPM family dug deep into their pockets and surpassed that goal.

"We understand that we can't do our jobs without them doing theirs," said OPM Officer of House Affairs Chief Jonathan Blyth, who is a Naval Reservist. "This celebration is just our way of saying thanks for the outstanding job and service that these men and women provide, as well as recognizing the support and sacrifice that the families have to make in order to protect our freedoms."

"It is great to be home during the holidays," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Sharon Halliday, while opening a gift with her son. "Christmas is a very special time of the year for the children and also families. I am pleased with the showing of appreciation by OPM." Her son Tyler, who is 1 year old, echoed her sentiments, not verbally, but with excitement as he opened his gift to discover a Fisher Price toy.

Across the hangar bay from Halliday and her son, Santa Claus sat in his chair with children waiting patiently to tell him their wishes.

"I want a little pony for Christmas," said Bailey Walker, 5, as she set on Santa's lap. "I also want a white Christmas so I can go out and play in the snow."

While waiting in line to have a picture taken of her 2-year-old twin boys, Damond and Damon Watson, Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Shurhonda Griffin remarked on the party. "I think this is a wonderful celebration and the sponsors of this event have done a great job," she said. "You can sense that people care about what we are doing, and that makes me feel good inside."

"Wow, it is one heck of a party," Green said, as he observed people engaged in numerous activities in the hangar bay. "I know that the other aircraft carrier COs are envious of the support provided to us by OPM. We are truly appreciative of the support, and thankful that people have chosen to remember us during this time of the year."

Joseph Fazier, a member of the Office of Communication at OPM, said at the end of the party, "I have been collecting toys and waiting for weeks to see the children's smiling faces. My Christmas wish has come true."

For more news from around the fleet, visit the Navy NewsStand at www.news.navy.mil.

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