TR sailors help with anti-bully message

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) addressed students at Campostella Elementary Thursday on the issue of bullying.

Norfolk Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard Bentley, along with USS Theodore Roosevelt Commander Richard D. "RD" Jones, participated.

Held in the school auditorium, the assembly was aimed at getting kids to talk about being a bully, getting bullied, or being a bystander to bullying.

The sailors teamed up to provide students valuable tools to help in the fight against bullying and also engaged the students in dialogue about the importance of portraying good character and making positive life choices.

"One of my friends picked on me because they said I was fat and chubby," admitted one student during the assembly.  "And I told them to stop. And they kept telling me that I was fat. But I was handling it because I would just not let people ruin, ruin my day, just calling me fat."

CDR Jones was quick to commend the student.  "It takes a lot of courage to stand up and share that kind of experience, so thank you very much."

As part of its efforts to address the issue of bullying, the Theodore Roosevelt produced the video below to answer the question, "What is a bully?"