Crew members from the USS Fort Worth on Thursday visited patients at JPS Health Network. It was part of an effort to give something back to the ship’s namesake community, they said, because it supports the vessel and its sailors so well.
“It’s great to be able to come here and see in the patients’ eyes or in their smile that we were able to lift their spirits,” said Devin McLean, an electronics technician on the Freedom Class littoral combat ship as he went from room to room. “I’m glad to be able to be a part of this.”
Patient Sohail Rajan was one of the people four visiting sailors and their commander from the Fort Worth spent some time with during their stop at JPS.
“I wasn’t expecting it. It was a surprise,” Rajan said. “But it was really nice to have them come in to visit – just to listen. It made me feel a lot better. It feel like it really helped.”
Karina Vargas, a culinary specialist aboard the ship, talked with patients about their plans for when they get out of the hospital. One, Lynda Eleston, asked to see the tattoos on Vargas’ arm dedicated to the sailor’s Mexican heritage. After looking them over and telling Vargas they were beautiful, Eleston rolled up her sleeves and showed the sailor her own tattoos with a smile.
Ship Commander Antonio Hyde said he’s looked forward to coming to JPS to visit with patients after a wonderful experience last time.
“It was one of my favorite parts of Fort Worth Navy Week last year,” Hyde said. “We came here to try to inspire patients and offer them some comfort and we were the ones who left inspired. Their hope and positive attitudes are amazing.”
The sailors were escorted by JPS Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator Mitzi VanderArk and a pair of volunteers, Maryam Azhar and Yajaira Martinez.
VanderArk said JPS leaders and its patients are grateful the crew of the USS Fort Worth invested their time in the community that bears the ship’s name.