Region Legal Service Office Northwest (RLSO NW) was recently selected by Navy Region Northwest as winner of the 2017 Project Good Neighbor Award in the “small command” category. As part of the Navy Community Service Program, the Project Good Neighbor Award is an annual award presented to the best year-round program that encourages humanitarian assistance to underserved communities.
The award has three size categories: small commands (fewer than 200 personnel), medium commands (between 200 and 499 personnel), and large commands (over 500 personnel). Each size category encompasses both sea and shore commands. Winners at the regional level will advance to Navy-wide competition in their respective categories.
The RLSO NW Community Service Program, led and organized by first tour judge advocates Lt. Megan Martino and Lt. Clare Fitzpatrick, inspired over half of the command’s members to collectively donate over 275 volunteer hours to organizations such as affordable housing construction non-profits, homeless shelters, blood banks, animal shelters, food banks, and Veterans organizations. RLSO NW volunteers also donated their time to serve as judges for legal competitions in the local community and participated in over 35 hours of local area clean-up.
Upon notification of the command’s recognition, Martino said, “Members of RLSO NW have been enthusiastic about getting out and helping in the community ever since I've arrived at this command. It's an honor to be recognized for our service and we're looking forward to continuing our efforts.” Fitzpatrick added, “I have truly enjoyed getting out of the office with my shipmates and seeing the care and commitment they have for volunteering in their local community.”
Stay tuned for developments regarding the Navy-wide competition, and congratulations to RLSO NW for its outstanding efforts.