Fleet Week New York, now in its 28th year, begins on Wednesday with 4,500 service sea members expected to tour New York City. ‘I don’t think we ever are able to express our gratitude and appreciation enough,’ said Brian Whiting, president & CEO of USO of Metropolitan New York, an organization that provides services for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. He said Fleet Week allows citizens to personally thank members of the military for their service as they walk the streets of New York for the various celebrations held throughout the city. ‘It’s less than 1 percent of the population that serves this country,’ Whiting said. ‘We’ll have 1,000 volunteers in New York City over Fleet Week.’ While Whiting said the USO sends care packages to service members overseas and helps them communicate with their families back home, he said nothing is more impactful than when the American public says ‘thank you’ and recognizes them for what they do. Whiting said small things like mowing the lawn of a neighbor who may be a service member or picking up their groceries goes a long way in showing one’s gratitude. ‘I don’t think [service members] are asking for anything from us, but I think it’s more of our obligation that we get out there and express our appreciation,’ he added. For those looking to pitch in and offer support for those in uniform, Whiting said there are plenty of volunteering opportunities with the USO. He also urged New Yorkers to take advantage of Fleet Week and board the various ships arriving in New York City to meet thousands of sea service members. Fleet Week New York City spans from May 25 to May 30 and has been held almost every year since 1984. TheStreet’s Scott Gamm speaks with Whiting in New York City’s Times Square.
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