Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Meranda Keller | The commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, and an officer from SEAL Team TEN,...... read more read more
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NORFOLK, Va. - The commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic presented his command coin to Nate Flory during a luncheon held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, June 7.
Adm. Tim Alexander was one of the guest speakers at the United Way of South Hampton Roads Campaign Awards ceremony along with a special appearance from 8-year-old Nate Flory.
Flory was one of the 2,000 students in the South Hampton Roads area without permanent housing, living in hotels or other temporary locations. Research shows the chaos of poverty and homelessness has a negative impact on a young child’s brain development. Typically, children in this environment are unable to focus often causing them to fall behind in school. The shelter “ForKids” – a nonprofit organization assisting families in need by providing housing, education and clinical services collaborated with United Way to create structures and routines that concentrate on mental and physical health, nutrition and education.
“The children that often slip through the cracks don’t have to,” said Thaler McCormick, chief executive officer of “ForKids.” “Great interventions can make such a profound difference. When they are failing we can move them ahead and they can advance.”
Flory was homeless and failing kindergarten, but, seven months after the intervention he has advanced into the talented and gifted program in his school.
“Education is important because you can earn money and when you earn money you can buy a house and pay the water bill, the electric bill and the heating bill,” explained Flory.
During an interview, Flory shared what he wants to do in life. “I really want to be a Navy SEAL,” he explained. “I want to help the Nation, to protect the country and the people from bad guys.”
During the awards luncheon, Flory was honored as the special guest and was introduced to Adm. Alexander and a Navy SEAL officer from SEAL Team TEN (ST-10). Flory and his mother Ann Biesecker sat with Adm. Alexander and the SEAL officer for lunch.
“I am honored to be here, inspired by Nate and Ann who have been through so much but persevered and overcame,” said Alexander. “I will try to provide any additional support that I can.”
As an interview video played in the background that explained why Flory received the noteworthy honor, Adm. Alexander and the SEAL officer joined him on stage and presented Flory with command coins and advice to keep up the good work, stay in school, and to listen to his mother.
The number of homeless children has increased 60 percent in the last five years. The United Way Foundation not only provides funding for shelters but intervention services that are needed to help build the next generation.
| Date Taken: | 06.07.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.11.2012 17:04 |
| Story ID: | 89784 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 95 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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