Local sailor lends a hand to help earthquake victims

Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Stuart Phillips, U.S. Navy, and Sikeston native Jeffery Mitchem (right), a U.S. Navy fireman apprentice, work to remove rocks blocking roads in Haiti. Submitted photo

SIKESTON -- A Sikeston native's work on the front lines of the Navy's relief mission in Haiti has not only helped the locals, but it's also given him a new perspective on life.

Navy Fireman Apprentice Jeffery Mitchem is deployed aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan to support Operation Unified Response, a joint military relief effort.

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