ACB-1 Seabees share holidays with San Diego Center for Children

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Morales, Amphibious Construction Battalion 1

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) (12/25/2008) -- Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 Seabees invited the San Diego Center for Children into ACB-1's chiefs mess to share a home cooked meal for the holidays on Dec. 23 at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

SDCC is San Diego's oldest non-profit organization, celebrating more than 121 years of service. Children and adolescents face many challenges: mental, emotional, or behavioral. SDCC helps them regain a healthy and normal life with family, friends, and school.

The ACB-1 first class mess gathered donations of $450 from the command to supply food and gifts for the holiday gathering.

"I just wanted to show these kids we care," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Kisha L. Jacobi, vice president of the ACB-1 first class mess.

Many ACB-1 Seabees took time out of their normal duties to participate in making this holiday gathering a success.

"This time of year, it is better to give than receive," said Engineering Aide 2nd Class Salvador Hernandez, ACB-1 assistant Seabee Combat Warfare coordinator. Salvador provided an enchilada dish and assisted in arranging other dishes to form a buffet style serving line.

Prior to eating, ACB-1 Seabees, friends, family and SDCC bowed their heads in prayer as Chaplain Joseph Roach led everyone in prayer.

The holiday gathering also provided a home cooked meal to ACB-1 single Seabees far away from home.

They feasted on turkey, mashed potatoes, candy yams, sweet potatoes, corn, chips, dip and much more.

"It's priceless to see a smile on everyone's faces, especially during this time of the year," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Jugdeep Kingra, from San Fernando Valley, Calif. Like Salvador and many other ACB-1 Seabees, Jugdeep helped setting up food, chairs, and plates.

SDCC children and adolescents enjoyed the holiday meal and gifts provided by ACB-1.

"It's a great opportunity for them [SDCC children and adolescents] to get to meet new people and positive role models," said Allison Christian, a native San Diegan child care provider working with SDCC.

After the meal, Seabees continued to play with many of the younger children in various games.