ABOARD THE USS SHOUP – Sailors stationed on the USS Shoup gave more than just their time, energy and skills to help victims of southeast Asia’s devastating tsunamis. The sailors also gave up many of their clothes and belongings to help the needy.
Two sailors stationed on the Everett-based Shoup, Operations Spc. 2nd Class Sara Chobot of Merrimack, N.H., and Operations Spc. Seaman Juan Saro of McDonough, Ga., organized a four-day clothes drive onboard the ship.
Every day during meal hours from Jan. 4 to 7, the two sailors collected clothing, shoes, blankets and towels to be distributed to victims off the Indonesian coast who suffered one of the world’s most devastating tsunamis.
“Basically, a lot of people onboard Shoup wanted to help out (with the humanitarian effort) but could not volunteer to go ashore because of watch-standing duties or just because a few felt they were not as emotionally stable to see the damage firsthand on land,” said Chobot.
While more than 100 of the Shoup’s sailors volunteered to fly out to lend a helping hand ashore, those who could not made up for it by donating everything from backpacks to running shoes and even self-made toiletry kits.
More than six huge boxes and five big bags full of clothing were collected.
“The greatest satisfaction for me will be knowing we’ve helped these unfortunate people in providing a basic necessity for them,” Chobot said.
The Shoup’s commanding officer, Christopher Halton, praised the diligent work of Chobot and Saro in organizing the event as well as the entire crew with the significant amount of clothing collected.
“Without a doubt, the unselfishness and work that these two Shoup sailors displayed in putting together this drive and all the ones who donated is truly outstanding,” Halton said.
Ensign Erika Imhoff is the public affairs officer onboard the USS Shoup.
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