NORFOLK, Va. — A tour guide at Norfolk's Nauticus museum just surpassed 4,500 volunteer hours aboard the Battleship Wisconsin.
Doug McLiverty is a U.S. Army veteran, but he says he's always had a fascination with Navy battleships.
“I’ve always loved battleships ever since I was a little kid and I would drive to work by this ship. When I retired, I applied to be a volunteer," he told News 3.
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That was 12 years ago. Now, McLiverty leads group after group for tours aboard the 80-year-old ship. He shares its story with knowledge and, more importantly, kindness.
“I have been with Nauticus for about 27 years. I just recently switched over to Volunteer Resource Manager about three years ago, which means my office is on the battleship, and he was one of the very first ones that welcomed me on the ship," said Susie Hill, who works with volunteers at Nauticus. ”[Doug is] always willing to help out however. Willing to help out with the tours, a guest..."
According to McLiverty, the 4,500 volunteer hours add up to two years giving back to a place thousands of sailors called home over the decades. Last week, veterans of the ship gathered for a reunion at Nauticus and gave McLiverty a volunteer award for his work.
“They lived it and we’re just merely telling their story so for them to recognize me for doing that, it really means a lot to me," he said.
That's when News 3's Anthony Sabella surprised McLiverty with an "Everyday Hero" award and a $300 Visa gift card, courtesy of station partner Southern Bank.
“I’ll take some guys out to lunch," he said of his plans for the money. “I don’t do this for any kind of recognition. I just do it for personal satisfaction, and this is icing on the cake. Thank you very much.”
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McLiverty says it's an honor to share the story of the Battleship Wisconsin and he will continue to share it, as long as people are willing to listen.
