Midshipmen Spring into Action to Help The Centerpole

Twelve midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy spent their spring break volunteering at the Center Pole on the Crow Reservation in Montana. Founder of the Center Pole, Peggy White Wellknown Buffalo, gladly hosted the group for the week, providing lodging in the volunteer quarters you helped us finish. There was plenty to do!

The midshipmen built a brand new roof and repaired the sides of a weather-worn barn, installed fencing around the Center Pole complex to keep unwanted wildlife off the grounds, cleaned up the children’s center, and rehabilitated homes for the elderly including a brand new porch and wheelchair ramp that brought one elderly woman to grateful tears.

In return for their hard work, the midshipmen received an eye-opening immersion into Crow culture. "We learned a lot about the Crow culture and how they live, what they value and what their dreams are," said Carie Boothe, 22, a midshipman 1st class from Eugene, Oregon. The group learned Crow dances and words, ate elk and buffalo meat, and participated in Crow prayer ceremonies.

Peggy told us that the week was an exchange of hard work for a cultural experience. She hopes that the Naval Academy Midshipmen can continue to visit her home and make a difference in Crow country with such open hearts and eager minds.