USS Ponce Pitches in at Agios Georgios School
for Children with Special Needs
June 13, 2009
Rolling up their sleeves in the 90-degree heat, the busload of volunteers from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps brightened up the school with a fresh coat of white paint and also helped trim branches and spruce up the school’s large playground
Responding to the call to community service, 38 crewmen aboard the USS Ponce spent their shore leave by pitching in at the Agios Georgios school for children with special needs in Larnaca on June 13, 2009. Rolling up their sleeves in the 90-degree heat, the busload of volunteers from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps brightened up the school with a fresh coat of white paint and also helped trim branches and spruce up the school’s large playground. The sailors were warmly greeted by School Principal Eleni Kalogeri and Chairman Michalis Mallas, who thanked them for their service.
The USS Ponce is named after the city of Ponce, Puerto Rico, which in turn is named in honor of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, who discovered the State of Florida and served as the first Governor of Puerto Rico.
Through their hard work at the Agios Georgios school, the USS Ponce is continuing a long tradition of community service by U.S. sailors who have docked in the ports of Cyprus over the years.
PROFILES IN SERVICE
Stephan P. from Brooklyn, New York
Petty Officer
Engineer/Machinist
“So far, I’ve seen some nice buildings. I enjoyed seeing St. Lazarus Church and the tombs.”
Adam M. from Wellsville, New York
Corpsman, Second Class
Medic
“The people are very nice here.”
Kyle C. from Las Vegas, Nevada
Seaman
Engineer in Training
“I like the history of Cyprus and studied Greek history in school.”
Alfredo A. from Livingston, California
Petty Officer
Medic
“The beaches here are amazing, and the people are friendly.”