‘It is a humbling experience’: Sailors give back to Central New York during Navy Week

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) –You may have seen an increase in Naval presence this week in Central New York. That’s because it’s Navy Week. Sailors are giving back to our community through a variety of ways all week.

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Seaman Chloe Whaley has been a sailor for seven months and is experiencing her first navy week.

“Helping those in need or that are less fortunate, it is a humbling experience,” Whaley said.

She and a few other sailors spent their afternoon packaging up food for the Cortland community at the Food Bank of Central New York. Each box represents a thank you from these men and women.

“Without the community, there is no Navy. I think that’s a very good thing to give back too,” Whaley said.

Though there’s no rest and relaxation this week, they don’t mind.

“It is a refreshing change to be able to come out here with a schedule, knowing what I’ll be doing for the week and to devote the week to giving back to the community,” said Hospital Corpsman First Class Petty Officer Daniel Falcocchio.

While a crew of sailors helped feed the community, another crew was helping finish building a home on Fairdale Avenue in Syracuse.

“Today, we are helping out building a house for a good cause for a family that needs it,” said Gunners Mate Petty Officer Second Class Kevin Leon.

They’ve been working on the home since Monday, August 26. In the process, they’ve learned that home maintenance is a lot different than ship maintenance.

“It’s fun to learn life skills and good to help out a family in need,” said Electronics Technician Petty Officer Second Class Jesse Collier.

And they enjoy the time away from sea to check out new places.

“It’s nice to be able to explore new cities. I didn’t think Syracuse would be something I’d be interested in, but I’m here. I love it. It’s a beautiful city. The food and everything is great,” said Collier.

If you want to keep up with the sailors while they are in Syracuse, you can follow Navy Outreach on all social media platforms and search #NavyWeek.

The Navy will also be at the New York State Fair all week.

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