PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Under a cloudless blue sky, more than 40 Soldiers from the 40th Quartermaster Company, 45th Special Troops Battalion, 45th Sustainment Brigade, took a trip back in time as they volunteered to help beautify the U.S.S. Missouri battleship July 14, here.
The Soldiers performed a variety of tasks cleaning various areas of the ship, moving old equipment, and helping to replace the main deck. While the work itself may not have been fun, each volunteer was able to walk away with a sense of accomplishment.
"This is important to me because I\'m keeping history alive by cleaning the ship to make it comfortable for other people to visit," Spc. Sharonda Artry, water treatment specialist, 40th Quartermaster Company.
"This is our opportunity to give back to those who served aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, to honor their families, and recognize the tireless efforts of the staff that work so hard to preserve this national memorial," said Capt. James Mattox, commander, 40th Quartermaster Company. "It is truly a privilege to help in any way we can to preserve this infamous battleship."
The Soldiers' volunteer efforts are a win-win situation.
"As a non-profit organization, we rely on volunteers. When Soldiers come in to help, big jobs get done," said Keven Williamson, director of volunteers, U.S.S. Missouri Memorial Association, Inc.
The volunteers win because they often are able to see things on the ship a lot of people do not get to see, Williamson continued. While visiting various areas of the ship, Soldiers were able to gain a hands-on history lesson.
"There's a legacy here and we like to be able to get [servicemembers] involved," said Mike Pagano, military liaison, U.S.S. Missouri Memorial Association, Inc. "It cements their understanding of history and instills pride in what they're doing."
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