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BIG-HEARTED US servicewoman Lieutenant Kristen Christensen has received special recognition for her community service in Bahrain.
Commander Task Force (CTF) 53 has awarded her the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for all 'selfless dedication' over the past year.
Lt Christensen, 29, has been responsible for planning and co-ordinating more than 80 projects, totalling 1,500 hours of community service.
"This award will always be special to me, reminding me of all the work we've done here and the people I've met along the way," she said. "It's all about people, and helping others. Volunteering during my time here has been a very rewarding experience and one I will never forget."
Lt Christensen, originally from the US State of Georgia, organised projects including tutoring local school children at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) School in Adliya and the Alia School in Sitra, volunteering at the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA), donating clothing and other goods to the Philippines Embassy Women's Shelter, teaching English as part of the Reading for Disabled programme, helping with the Bahrain Road Runner's Club as well as organising food and clothing drives for various community shelters throughout Bahrain.
To receive the medal, a member's service must be related to the civilian community, include the military family community, be significant in nature and produce tangible results, reflect favourably on the military service and the Department of Defence and be of a sustained and direct nature. Lt Christensen was presented with it at a special ceremony at the Bahrain base last week.
She leaves the navy next month and will return to the US to start life again as a civilian.
The US Navy recognises the need to help out in its host nation and says it is actively seeking out new opportunities to volunteer in Bahrain.
CTF 53 provides operational logistical support for the entire US 5th Fleet and coalition forces both ashore and afloat.
They co-ordinate replenishment-at-sea efforts and deliver passengers, mail, cargo, ammunition, provisions and fuel throughout the 5th Fleet area of operations via air, land and sea modes, helping to ensure sailors aboard ships have what they need to complete their mission.
CTF 53 Commodore, Capt Donald Hodge said she is a dedicated and caring professional as well as an exemplary officer whose service to the local community is a model for others to emulate.
"Thanks to her outstanding volunteer efforts, a significant difference has been made in helping fulfill the needs of individuals and families in need," said Capt Hodge. "Even while juggling the demands of work, military training, and other commitments, Lt Christensen still chose to dedicate much of her time to conduct community service. This award is a small recognition of her selfless dedication to others."
