What We Do Each year, the FRA sponsors an Americanism Essay Contest open to students in grades 7-12. The theme changes each year, but of course, is always of a patriotic nature. Norfolk Branch 5 cooperates with the FRA and is listed as an FRA Branch that accepts contest entries. Entries should be submitted to the Secretary, Norfolk Branch 5, 4912 Cape Henry Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23513. Be sure to include an email address and phone number if an entry form is not available. Awards are given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each grade level of entries received. U. S. Savings Bonds and certificates are presented to the winning students at their schools, either in the classroom or at an assembly, to recognize the achievement of the student.

NJROTC: Branch 5 provides medals, with the accompanying ribbon, honoring students who have displayed significant achievement during the past school year. Presentations are made at a special ceremony hosted by the city-wide NJROTC Program at one of the high schools each year.

Hospitals and Welfare: Branch 5 has several shipmates that donate hours each week to the Naval Medical Center, primarily assisting in the pharmacy. Members of Branch 5 donate books and magazines to the Naval Medical Center's Bookmobile. We have shipmates that deliver meals for the Meals on Wheels program; shipmates that assist with bingo at the VA Hospital in Hampton and shipmates that donate hours, miles and personal funds to assist various programs in the community. Branch 5 also donates funds to help the Retired Volunteers Program and the Naval Medical Centers annual awards dinner.

There is not a man or woman, on active duty or retired from the Armed Forces of the United States, who at this very moment is not deriving some benefit through the efforts of the Fleet Reserve Association.