Project Handclasp - The Navy’s Global Goodwill Delivery Service

Cameron Tygett, a long-time service member in the United States Marine Corps, is based in Virginia at Norfolk Naval Station. His previous military service includes years of work handling logistics for cargo and equipment at Camp Lejeune. In 2006, Cameron Tygett received an official letter of appreciation for his work as a volunteer helping to distribute English-language books to young people in Singapore through the U. S. Navy’s Project Handclasp.

The humanitarian aid program Project Handclasp has delivered donations of books, school supplies, medical supplies, and other urgently needed materials to countries all over the world. The focus is on nations in the Pacific Rim, Africa, along the coasts of the Indian Ocean, and Eastern Europe. In addition to Singapore, the project has served, for example, in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Tanzania.

Using space on Navy ships as it becomes available, Project Handclasp delivers educational, informational, and goodwill materials directly into the hands of those who need them. Navy service members, either onboard or stationed at local overseas bases, sort and distribute the items.

Over the almost 60 years of its existence, Project Handclasp has built up strong partnerships with the nations in which it operates, fostering increased dialogue and coordinated action and strategic planning.

3 Top Sites In Pisgah National Forest

As a dedicated enlisted member of the US Marine Corps, Cameron Tygett serves as a combat cargo assistant at Naval Station Norfolk located in Norfolk, Virginia. Before his post in Virginia, Cameron Tygett also gained experience as a logistics chief in North Carolina at Base Camp Lejeune. When he is not on duty, he enjoys camping in Pisgah National Forest with his family.

Pisgah National Forest consists of more than 500,000 acres of forest, whitewater rivers, waterfalls, beautiful mountain peaks, and numerous hiking trails. This national park sits on the eastern side of the mountains of western North Carolina, with numerous interesting sites throughout that are perfect for a weekend getaway.

1. Looking Glass Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the southern part of the United States. At around 60 feet tall, this lovely waterfall is visible from US Highway 276. It is located on the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. If checking out a waterfall sounds like something you would enjoy, Looking Glass Falls is one you should not miss while you are in this area.

2. The North Carolina Arboretum is located south of Asheville close to one of the entrances to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It contains nearly 65 acres of beautiful gardens as well as approximately 10 miles of trails in the forest. Perfect for those looking for an easy hike, the arboretum offers excellent views with trails that are easier for inexperienced hikers to manage.

3. Sliding Rock Natural Waterslide is a unique experience not to be missed. A naturally occurring 60-foot waterslide, it is located in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest. Visitors line up to slide down the natural rockslide to the 8-foot deep pool of water waiting down below. It is a refreshing and unique summer experience for the whole family.

Enjoying Pisgah National Forest in the Appalachians

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Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Having served as a logistics chief with the US Marine Corps, Cameron Tygett has an extensive background in military leadership at bases in Afghanistan, Virginia, and North Carolina. An outdoor enthusiast, Cameron Tygett enjoys camping with his family in western North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest. 

Pisgah spans more than 500,000 acres of temperate hardwood rainforest in the Appalachian Mountains northwest of Charlotte. It is the home of the nation’s first forestry school, which is marked by the historic site Cradle of Forestry. It is also home to two of the original areas designated by the National Wilderness Preservation System: Shining Rock and Linville Gorge. 

One of the most popular ways to access the Pisgah National Forest is via the Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects with the 76-mile Forest Heritage Scenic Byway (US Highway 276). A 15-mile loop of the Byway features such favorite attractions as the Sliding Rock natural waterslide, Moore Cove, and Looking Glass Falls. The Biltmore Estate, once the largest residence in the nation, is a cultural highlight of the area. Situated on 8,000 acres in the vicinity of Asheville, the estate originally encompassed 100,000 acres 

Because overuse of popular spots in the Pisgah Ranger District is a major concern, the Pisgah Conservancy was created in 2016 in partnership with the US Forest Service. The aim is to ensure that the natural resources can be enjoyed sustainably and to undertake such projects as watershed improvement and graffiti removal.