Navy Week brings variety of community outreach events to Willamette Valley

Capi Lynn, Salem Statesman Journal
·3 min read
Navy Week features educational and community outreach events, including band performances. The program comes to Oregon for the first time Sept. 23 through Oct. 1.
Navy Week features educational and community outreach events, including band performances. The program comes to Oregon for the first time Sept. 23 through Oct. 1.

Navy Week comes to Oregon for the first time since the U.S. military branch launched the program, and a series of educational and community outreach events are scheduled for the Willamette Valley.

More than 60 sailors from across the fleet will participate Sept. 23-Oct. 1, providing opportunities for local residents to learn about the Navy, its people and its importance to national security.

The first Navy Week in Oregon kicks off with the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard performing in the Fan Zone and at halftime with the University of Oregon marching band during the Ducks' 12:30 p.m. football game against Colorado at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.

The game will also feature an on-field "Hometown Hero" recognition for Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Chambers, an Oregon native and a 2003 University of Oregon graduate.

"This is a very special Navy Week for me, and I'm honored to be the lead planner for the first-ever Navy Week in Oregon," Chambers said. "Oregonians have always had a lot of pride and respect for the military, and I can't think of a better way to finish my 20-year career than back home with the people who have supported me throughout this journey."

Sailors during the week will visit multiple schools, including Career Technical Education Center; Houck Middle School and McNary High School; and visit nonprofits, including the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties; Marion Polk Food Share and Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Willamette Valley.

The Navy Week program was created in 2005, focusing on regions without a significant Navy presence. More than 250 Navy Weeks have been held in more than 80 U.S. different markets.

The Navy Week schedule includes the following events in the Willamette Valley:

Monday: 8 a.m. to noon, Northgate Park cleanup, 3575 Fairhaven Ave. SE, Salem. Sailors will work on the pollinator garden, clean up the fence line between the park and community garden, and help with bark mulch, weeding and improving visibility. Sign up by contacting Amanda Sitter, asitter@cityofsalem.net or 503-589-2917.

Robotic demonstrations are to be expected when a group of sailors visit salem's Kroc Center from 3:30-7 p.m. Monday as part of Navy Week festivities in the Willamette Valley.
Robotic demonstrations are to be expected when a group of sailors visit salem's Kroc Center from 3:30-7 p.m. Monday as part of Navy Week festivities in the Willamette Valley.

Monday: 4:30-7 p.m., Navy Day at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1865 Bill Frey Dr. in Salem. Attendees can watch robotic and dive gear demonstrations, try on a bomb suit, play video games with the Navy Esports Team, watch a performance by the Navy Ceremonial Guard, and play sports and games with sailors.

Tuesday: 9:30-10 a.m., free live music by Navy Band Northwest and a proclamation ceremony between Salem Mayor Chris Hoy and Navy Rear Admiral Charles "Mike" Brown, at at Peace Plaza, Salem Civic Center, 555 Liberty St. SE, Salem.

Tuesday: 6 p.m., free live music by Navy Band Northwest at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.

Wednesday: 8 a.m., free live music by Navy Band Northwest at Keizer City Hall, 930 Chemawa Rd N, Keizer.

Wednesday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Willamette River Clean-up, All Hands on Deck. Sailors will pitch in to help remove trash from the river and its banks in partnership with Willamette Riverkeeper and SOLVE. Local residents are invited to participate but must register with Willamette Riverkeeper for the on-water volunteer crew or register with SOLVE for the on-land volunteer crew.

Wednesday: 6-8 p.m., Keizer Community Night, featuring a softball game between sailors and Keizer high school students, police and fire personnel, followed by a performance by Navy Band Northwest at Volcanoes Stadium, 6700 Field of Dreams Way NE, Keizer.

Thursday: 6 p.m., free live music by Navy Band Northwest at Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. SE., Salem.

Friday, Sept. 29: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Woodwind Quintet and Ceremonial Guard Drill Team performance for veterans and residents, Center 50+, 2615 Portland Road NE, Salem.

Friday, Sept. 29: 6 p.m., free live music by Navy Band Northwest at the Gerry Frank Salem Rotary Amphitheater, 200 Water St. NE, Salem.

Capi Lynn is a senior reporter for the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips to her at clynn@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6710.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Navy Week brings community outreach events to Willamette Valley