The Navy League of the United States Key West Council is expanding its support for military personnel with a new sponsorship and mentorship program aimed at helping young service members adjust to life in the Lower Keys.
Council President Abe Conn discussed the initiative and other recent Navy League activities this morning on Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM.
Conn said the Navy League’s mission is to educate, advocate and support the nation’s sea services, but in Key West that mission extends to members of all military branches assigned to the area’s unique commands, including the Joint Interagency Task Force South.
“We’re an equal opportunity group when it comes to the services,” Conn said. “We try to help everybody.”
One of the organization’s newest efforts pairs community volunteers with newly assigned military personnel. The sponsorship program connects experienced Key West residents with younger service members to help them navigate life in the community.
Sponsors can assist with everything from recommending local businesses and medical providers to inviting service members to holiday meals or recreational outings.
Conn said the idea grew from discussions with Coast Guard leadership about providing additional support to military members stationed far from home.
“There’s more to Key West than just Duval Street,” he said. “Some of these young folks are at their first duty station and don’t know the community yet.”
The Navy League has also remained active in supporting Coast Guard operations and ceremonies.
Recently, members welcomed the crew of the Coast Guard cutter Jeffrey Palazzo, one of the Fast Response Cutters delivered through Key West before entering active service. The vessel is named in honor of New York City firefighter and Coast Guard reservist Jeffrey Palazzo, who died during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Conn also attended the recent change-of-command ceremony aboard the Coast Guard Cutter James, a National Security Cutter that made a port call in Key West while underway. The ceremony drew military leaders and local officials, highlighting the city’s longstanding relationship with the Coast Guard.
The Navy League continues to host monthly meetings and encourages anyone interested in supporting military members to attend, regardless of prior military service.
“We get that question all the time,” Conn said. “You don’t have to be in the military. You just have to want to support the people who serve.”
The Key West Council meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Community Center on Naval Air Station Key West’s Sigsbee Annex.
Conn said the organization welcomes individuals, couples and community members looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities that directly support the men and women serving in the Keys.
For more information, click here: https://navyleaguekeywest.org/