Naval Aviation Unit Help Kids In Need

While designed to kill the enemy, it's nice to see military aviation in the caregiving business, as it makes dreams come true for underprivileged youth. One Naval group is making a world of difference for kids in need. Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32 "Maulers" returned home from their six-month deployment aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) to the cheers of countless friends and family Feb. 25, but to Christina Brown, the homecoming had added meaning.

During their deployment, the Maulers raised money for Dreams Come True, a Jacksonville-based non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses. The money they raised will be used to send a tennager, named Brown, and her family on a Disney cruise in May. "I’m really looking forward to meeting the men and women who helped make my dream a reality," Brown said, as she waited anxiously for the Maulers to return. Brown is a 14-year-old girl who is battling neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder of the nervous system that results in tumors on the nerves anywhere in the body at any given time. Because of her illness, Brown is a double-amputee and is wheelchair bound. Brown remains cheerful and enjoys playing in the Baldwin High School Band, despite her disease.

Over the course of their deployment, the men and women of the Maulers implemented a unique fundraising event called the OK Pass Project to sponsor Brown’s dream. The project incorporated the grading system that measures pilot performance when landing on an aircraft carrier. For every "OK Pass" landing (reasonable deviations with above average corrections), $1 was donated to Dreams Come True. For every "No Grade" (below average but safe), $2 was donated to the organization. The Maulers raised about $1,000 because of the OK Pass Project.

"We were more than happy to help," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class (AW/SW) Yusmani Bitorsosa. "Knowing that we could help make this girl's dream come true really gave us that little bit of extra motivation." The Maulers are currently seeking matching funds from local businesses to help make other children’s dreams come true.

FMI: www.navy.mil