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NSA Naples MWR Hosts Inaugural Volunteer Appreciation Celebration

July 31, 2026 | Story by Naomi Wilkins | Commander, Navy Installations Command | Fleet and Family Readiness

WASHINGTON – In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples hosted its inaugural Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on April 29, 2026. Held at the Support Site’s Central Park, located among the installation's community housing, schools and Navy Exchange, the event brought together volunteers, service members and families for a sunny day of recognition and fun.

While Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) took the lead in organizing the festivities, the celebration was truly a base-wide effort honoring volunteers from the American Red Cross, USO, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts. Underscoring the strong, integrated ties between the U.S. military and the local community, the Italian National Welfare and Recreation Association (WRA) also played a central role in the event's success.

Attendees enjoyed a relaxed, come-and-go atmosphere filled with local flavors and entertainment. MWR debuted newly purchased pizza ovens, with a chef making fresh pizzas on site. The WRA complemented the meal by serving traditional Italian lemon granitas, which were perfect for spring weather. The Sixth Fleet Band provided live entertainment, setting a festive mood for community members gathered at the event. John Lenz, NSA Naples Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) Director, thanked the volunteers. In his remarks, he said, “So many of our organizations rely on volunteers to provide quality events and services, and it is necessary to take the time to celebrate, appreciate, and recognize the efforts from our community.”

The centerpiece of the celebration was a massive "Wall of Appreciation." MWR maintenance teams and graphic artists constructed large wooden panels displaying the names of more than 600 community volunteers. The back of the panels featured blank white paper where attendees used colorful markers to draw pictures and write personal notes of gratitude, adding a meaningful interactive element to the event.

The event also drew support from senior leadership, with Vice Adm. Jeffrey T. Anderson attending the celebration. Karen Hendrix, NSA Naples FFR Marketing Manager, highlighted the importance of the gathering for the overseas military community.

"We wanted to do something that was a bit more fun, and it was great come-and-go type of event for a tightknit community," Hendrix said.

For more information on Navy MWR locations, events and more, go to NavyMWR.org.

No Navy endorsement implied.

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