NMCRS BENEFIT HOCKEY GAME HELD IN NORFOLK Story and Photos by MCSN Ashley Northen Additional Photos by MC3 Matthew Young
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he USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) hockey team defeated the team from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 4-3, during a Navy Marine Corps Relief Society charity game at the Scope Arena, April 8. Rear Adm. Frank A. Morneau, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, dropped the official game puck to kick off the match-up. “I am excited to be out here today with the USS Abraham Lincoln and the demolition men of EOD Group 2,” Morneau said. “It is in the spirit of competition, but it also brings back what is important, which is how much we want to give back to our own; our Sailors.” The Lincoln Color Guard presented the colors as Air Traffic Controller 1st Class John Phillips sang the National anthem. Lincoln Sailors who came out to support their team and NMCRS watched and cheered from the crowd. “It feels really good to be playing here today,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Stephen Dobbs. “We played hard and winning the game feels amazing, but I am just glad that we were able to support our shipmates with the NMCRS.” In 2015, the NMCRS provided financial assistance of more than $45 million to help Sailors, Marines and their families. “It’s great to be out here. We are lucky that we have such phenomenal Sailors between these two commands that will come out and give their time to put back into the Navy and Marine Corps family,” Morneau said.