Rough Rider by Theodore Roosevelt Media

black history month

Story by MC3(SW) William McCann Every year during the month of February, the nation reflects upon African Americans and how they have influenced our country since its founding in 1776. With such advances like the air conditioning unit, commercial refrigeration, traffic lights and the pace maker, African American inventors and their ingenuity have helped usher the United States into the 20th century. These inventions were only possible after many years of hardship and struggle for equality within the newly formed United States. Visionaries like W.E.B Dubois and Martin Luther King Jr. paved the way for racial equality within our country

and influenced our everyday way of life. One of TR’s very own shared some family history and the successes of his relatives over the past several centuries. “When we were growing up, our father told us we would get a good education, or work hard,” said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Tega D. Dodson. The work ethic of Dodson’s great relatives Matthew and James Whittico has been passed down throughout family generations. “The Whittico side of my family influenced me, my family and my community,” said Dodson. Matthew and James Whittico were born in the post-Civil War era, when the United States was recovering and rebuilding from the four year conflict. Matthew was born in Martinsville, Henry County, Va., on Sept. 25, 1866. As a child, Matthew attended the local public schools, but when he aspired for higher education, he met constant roadblocks. “My parents were poor, and I had to work, first on the railroad and later in a saloon and at hotels,” said the late Matthew in a quote taken from a feature in the West Virginia Culture and Heritage Association archive. He later attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where he earned his degree in 1896, and began teaching in public schools in Henry County, Va. for seven years. “Before they founded and operated the first school for minorities in my county, colored or biracial children were either taught at home or at church,” Dodson adds. In 1904, Matthew established the McDowell Times, a weekly newspaper which is located in Keystone, Va. and is still operational to this day. His brother Dr. James Malachi Whittico was born Sept. 22, 1887 in Henry County, Va. James took a different path than his brother Matthew, enrolled in Meharry Medical Col-

lege, Nashville, Tennessee and earned his M.D. degree in 1912. James started his own general practice after his graduation in 1912, then soon after joined the military and was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant. He served on active duty in France, and upon completion of his service obligation returned to Williamson, Va., where he continued with his general practice. James believed the permanent progress of the African American race rests on education and development of industrial interests. Matthew’s great nephew Dodson, carries on this philosophy of an excellent work ethic in his career as a chief petty officer of the United States Navy. Dr. James Malachi Whittico “Education played a huge part in my upbringing because of the sacrifices and accomplishments of my great uncle,” said Dodson. “Settling for second best in anything academic was not accepted.” Grateful for the perseverance of his family during a time when struggle and hardship was a way of life, Dodson stands in as part of history, honor and diligence. Since then, African Americans have made significant progress in the political scene. The most recent, and most recognized is the first black president, Barack Obama. February was recognized as Black History month by Carter Goodwin Wilson, a historian and publisher, for several reasons. The month recognizes and honors W.E.B. Dubois, born on Feb. 23, 1868, who was a civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP. The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed on Feb. 3, 1870 and gave African Americans the right to vote.

Matthew Whittico The first Black senator, Hiriam R. Revels took office on Feb. 25, 1870. The NAACP was founded in New York City on Feb. 12, 1909. Malcolm X, who promoted Black Nationalism was shot and killed on Feb. 21, 1965. African Americans have made contributions to help shape the United States into the nation of peace, equality and justice that it is today.

dynasty rebuilding the

“Gay and I, we have this ‘big brother, little brother’ thing going on,” said Westbrook. “We fight sometimes, but we get along great because we both have the same goal – to win no matter what.” Being a large and diverse organization, the Navy is made up of Sailors from all Story and photos by MC2(SW) Austin Rooney walks of life. For the Rough Riders, this means having a roster of players who have varying skill sets, playing weat poured down Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (SW) Andrew styles, and experience levels. Gay’s face, seeping through his uniform and onto the ball in his “We’re a big melting pot,” said Westbrook. “From what I’ve seen, hands. The deafening sound of yelling and sneakers squeaking on people play differently depending on where they’re from. Gay, he likes to the polished wood floors surrounded him as he sprinted down the court. scream, yell, and get aggressive on the court. Me, I like to hustle. I’m the Gay was in his element. little mouse trying to get in between the bigger guys and get the ball.” It was only the first official game of USS Theodore Roosevelt’s At a staggering 6 feet 5 inches and weighing in at 250 pounds, Gay’s (CVN 71) Rough Riders basketball season, but Gay and his teammates nickname, ‘250,’ is understandable. Starting out playing football in his were already playing as hard as they could. Within the Norfolk IntramuMakin, Ga., high school, a coach eventually convinced him to switch and ral Basketball League (Afloat), the Rough Riders are known as a force try basketball. Gay said while the sport did not always come naturally to to be reckoned with. him, his enjoyment of the game won out and turned him into a talented “We have a reputation of being the top dog in our league,” said Aviplayer. ation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AW/SW) James Westbrook, the team’s “My first team was called Upward Bound,” said Gay, laughing. “I captain. “We keep our name out there and try to represent the Theodore was really bad. I barely even made the team. I worked on it though, and Roosevelt in the best way we can.” by my 12th grade year I was pretty good.” The Rough Riders’ reputation is not just by chance. Currently, the “Now he’s a Roosevelt superstar,” interrupted Westbrook. team has four championship trophies on display in the command master The upbeat and permanently-smiling Westbrook shared a similar story chief’s office on the ship, all of which were earned in the last four years. about his entry into the sport. A broken arm forced him to quit playing As the buzzer echoed throughout the CEP-58 gym at Naval Station football in his hometown of Mobile, Ala., and out of boredom he began Norfolk, Westbrook and Gay gave each other an exhausted high five throwing a basketball around. By the time his arm was healed, he was and began to talk strategy. Between working together on the ship and ready to give the game a shot. playing together on the team, Westbrook said he believes the Rough “I played for a really small team called the Council Comets,” said Riders’ camaraderie is their secret to success.

Westbrook. “We were from such a small school that the other schools beat up on us a lot at the games. That’s what made me want to practice more – so I could stop getting beat so bad.” The two athletes sprinted back onto the court after their strategy session came to a close. Their sweat glistened under the bright lights of the gym as they prepared to face off against their opponents once again. With TR ramping up to leave the shipyard, increasing the amount of hours Sailors must work and training evolutions they must participate in, the Rough Riders’ practice and game schedules are becoming more and more challenging to keep up. Gay said that will not stop the team from making the championship this year. The countless hours the team spends on the court not only pay off during games, they also help out with each member’s military careers. “Part of being in the military is being physically fit,” said Gay. “That’s why we do PRT’s. I’m already a gym rat, so it’s easy for me to stay sharp on my skills while I’m playing.” Westbrook said the military’s emphasis on teamwork translates well to the court also. According to Westbrook, teamwork is the most important aspect of a winning basketball team. “The more we play together, the better we’ll be,” Westbrook explained. “Just look at the Lakers, they’ve got some great players, but they don’t even have a winning record right now. I see us like that, we have a lot of great players, but we’re still working on our chemistry as a team.” As the game came to a close, Gay slumped into the bleacher seating, worn out from the hour-long physical challenge on the court. While their game did not end in victory, Gay said the players performed well and he is confident they will retain their title as the league’s “top dogs.” “We’re not going to lose,” said Gay, shaking his head. “MM2 Gay, AKA ‘250,’ does not like to lose.”

Photos

Top, from left: The Rough Riders play a game against each other for practice Jan. 27 at the Huntington Hall basketball court in Newport News, Va. Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (SW) Andrew Gay (left) attempts to dunk the ball while Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class (AW) Carl Hinton (right) attempts to block him. Gay dribbles the ball during practice. Hinton dunks the ball while practicing. The Rough Riders cool down after finishing their practice. Bottom, from left: The Rough Riders face off against the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) basketball team Jan. 13 at the CEP-58 gym in Norfolk. Gay reacts to a missed shot during the game. Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (SW) Rashad White sprints down the court during the game. Engineman 1st Class (SW/AW) Ryan Giddens observes the game from the bench. The Rough Riders congratulate thier team captain, Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AW/SW) James Westbrook after the game.

photos of the mo 6)

1) Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Dominique Lawrence hauls a mooring line during a training exercise onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Jan. 22. (Photo by MC3(SW) William McCann) 2) Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter presents Seaman Mary Griffiths with a challenge coin during his visit of TR. (Photo by MCSN Eric Norcross) 3) Yeoman Seaman Ian Miller (right) engages in a general quarters drilll aboard TR Jan. 22. (Photo by MC3(SW) William McCann) 4) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class (AW/SW) Harrison Moorer, a member of the TR Diversity Team, sings “Lean on Me” at a memorial service in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Wardroom 3, Jan. 18. (Photo by MC2(SW) Tyrell Morris)

onth

5) Lt. Eduardo Amora leads the first Catholic mass in the newly-refurbished ship’s chapel aboard TR Jan. 27. (Photo by MC2(IDW) Eric Lockwood) 6) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Timothy Hatfield gives an vaccination to Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Shane Mackey during an immunization exercise aboard TR Jan. 22. (Photo by Bounome Chanphuang) 7) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) 2nd Class Dallas Reed investigates a space during a general quarters drill aboard TR Jan. 22. (Photo by MC2(IDW) Eric Lockwood) 8) Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Jason Vance participates in a general quarters drill aboard TR Jan. 22. (Photo by MC3(SW) Brian Reynolds)

your navy in the news

Sailors hook cargo nets to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 Jan. 22 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during a replenishment-at-sea. Photo by MC2 Kenneth Abbate.

Abdul Ghani Mehrzad, right, director of the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supplemental feeding center at the Farah City hospital in Farah City, Afghanistan, discusses developments at the center through an interpreter with Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jennifer Kleve, assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Farah, Jan. 19. The supplemental feeding center is sponsored by PRT Farah and provides food, education and vaccinations to Afghan children.

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Photo by Lt. j.g. Matthew Stroup.

The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) fires a Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) during a live-fire exercise Jan. 26. Photo by MC3 Tamara Vaughn.

Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Ryan Graman, right, and Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jewel Coutcher, prepare to hoist the ensign during morning colors at Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 30. Photo by MC3 Molly Greendeer.

9 9

THE

BEST OF THE

MESS

Story and photos by MC3(SW) Tyrell Morris he rich aroma of herbs and spices greeted guests as they entered the ballroom of the Founders Inn and Spa in Virginia Beach, Va. Jan. 26. The sounds of pots and pans clanging and chefs yelling instructions as they moved swiftly around cooking stations racing against the clock to prepare delicious meals for the award winning judges could be heard throughout the gigantic ballroom. No, this was not Hell’s Kitchen or Top Chef. It was the 3rd annual Best of the Mess competition. The Best of the Mess is a culinary showdown featuring the talents of Navy culinary specialists from commands in the local Hampton Roads area. Six teams from local commands competed, preparing a three-course tasting menu for a panel of judges. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is no stranger to the Best of the Mess, winning 1st place in the inaugural competition in 2011 and 1st runner up and people’s choice in last year’s competition. At this year’s competition, TR won three out of five available awards. The ship took home the people’s choice award for the second year in a row, second runner up, and best decoration. There were five awards given: first place, first runner up, second runner up, best decoration, and the people’s choice award, which was voted on by the guests in attendance. This year’s competing commands were defending champions

Carrier Strike Group 2 (CSG-2), Submarine Forces Atlantic (SUBLANT), Naval Station Norfolk, USS New York (LPD-21), USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). This is the first year the Best of the Mess competition featured six commands instead of five. The three culinary specialists representing TR were Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Rodney Gobin, Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Candice S. McCollum, and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Parsley. “The Best of the Mess is an excellent opportunity to boost the morale of Navy culinary specialists,” said McCollum. “I am grateful that I was able to participate in this year’s Best of the Mess, it was an experience I will never forget.” Despite the inclement winter weather, more than 200 guests attended the charity competition. In addition to the competition, there was a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. The proceeds from the ticket purchases, silent auction and 50/50 raffle went to the Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund, which provides education assistance funds for qualified family members of Chief Petty Officers. Many high ranking Navy officials were in attendance, such as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens and former MCPON Duane Bushey, who also served as TR’s first command master chief. To make the competition interesting, the competing teams had to use

“We were the first command to ever win three awards at the Best of the Mess, which is a great accomplishment.” - CS2 (SW/AW) Rodney Gobin

a list of predetermined ingredients to use for their custom menu. The TR culinary specialists prepared a three course meal consisting of a heartland chicken cobb salad for the appetizer, Amish braised beef pot roast for the main course, and an apple parfait for dessert. After each team presented their meals, the panel of judges graded each team of their use of the required ingredients, how the meal was prepared, cooked, tasted, and the difficulty of their dishes. “Our culinary specialists have been working hard for the past four months to prepare for the Best of the Mess competition,” said Chief Warrant Officer Shawn Porch, TR’s Food Service Officer. “Their commitment and hard work showed in their performance tonight.” Culinary Specialist Seaman Alison McCartney made the massive 7 feet long, 2 feet wide cake that was in the shape of TR’s flight deck. “It took me three days to make the cake,” said McCartney. “It was an honor for me to have the opportunity to contribute to the Best of the Mess and help TR bring home some awards.” TR’s Supply Officer gave high praises for a job well done for the competition. “I am extremely proud of not only the culinary specialists but the entire Supply Department,” said Cmdr. Mark Runstrom, TR’s Supply Officer. “This was truly a collaborative effort from everyone in the Supply Department and we are grateful to the command and those in attendance for their support.”

“Although we didn’t win first place, it was still rewarding to win second runner up, people’s choice, and best decoration,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Rodney Gobin. “We were the first command to ever win three awards at the Best of the Mess, which is a great accomplishment.”

Photos

1) Culinary specialists from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) entered a heartland chicken cobb salad for the appetizer, Amish braised beef pot roast for the main course, and an apple parfait for dessert into the Best of the Mess competition in Virginia Beach, Va., Jan. 26. 2) Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Rodney Gobin and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Parsley prepare plates for the judges. 3) TR’s best of the mess team, accompanied by past and present TR command master chiefs, display the three awards they won during the event. Command Master Chief Jack Callison poses behind a replica cake of TR’s flight deck with past TR command master chiefs. 4) Command Master Chief Jack Callison poses behind a replica cake of TR’s flight deck with past TR command master chiefs. 5) Gobin prepares TR’s meal. 6) The TR team cuts their flight deck cake.

FEBRUARY BLACK HISTORY MONTH

XO’S READINESS EXERCISE

12 LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY

14 VALENTINE’S DAY

18 PRESIDENT’S DAY 22 WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY

MARCH WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

hailing other vessels was originally a Viking battle cry. 6) Jamoke, murk, or a shot in the arm. 7) Which famous ship was known as “Old Ironsides?” 8) The portion of a Navy enlisted uniform that hangs from the back of the neck. 11) To be given a severe reprimand for some infraction of the rules. 12) After the passage of the Naval Act of 1794, work began on the construction of the six ______.

crossword

Across 2) This old traditional greeting for

NAVYTRIVIA

NATIONAL ANTHEM DAY

10 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BEGINS

XO’S READINESS EXERCISE

6 7 8

Down 1) The appropriate pronunciation for

this word is “fo’ksul.” 3) The Monitor and the Merrimack engaged in the battle of _______. 4) During the Civil War, cannon balls were stacked up into pyramids called “brass ______.” 5) An expression for watered rum. 8) The senior Ensign at a command. 9) CVN 77, on a first-name basis.

C H

F S

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LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

E A T H E R

I G H T

A L W A Y S

C O N S

E R V A T

W U

O N E

V E S

R O

ROUGH RIDER of the

WEEK

Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class

James Stacy Hometown New York Time in the Navy Three years Job Title EE03 Work Center Supervisor Why were you chosen as Rough Rider of the Week? “Because I’m a hard-charger, a team player and I am very motivated and exemplify the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment”

What are you goals? “Make EMC, then warrant officer, and then get a degree” What are your plans for the future?

“I’d like to complete my degree in electrical engineering”

What are your hobbies? Hunting and lifting weights

Photo by MC2(SW) Austin Rooney

Enrich Your Marriage! Pastoral Care Department of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth sponsors a monthly 1-day PREP Marriage Enrichment Workshop for married or engaged couples

Staff Commanding Officer Capt. William Hart Executive Officer Capt. Mark Colombo

PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program) is designed to teach couples healthy communication skills and ground rules for promoting intimacy and handling conflict.

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Evans

Subjects covered

Senior Editor MCCS (SW/AW/EXW) David Collins

Relationship Dynamics Healthy Communications Five Love Languages Build and maintain commitment

Sources

Deployment Adjustment Conflict Resolution Values & Beliefs Military & Civilian Re-

Research of over 20 years shows couples who use these skills and principles are less likely to get divorced than couples who do not. Couples also maintain satisfaction and communicate more effectively years after the program. All military personnel and family members of any command in the area are invited to attend. Appropriate civilian attire is authorized. Husband and wife (or soon-to-be spouse) must be present.

To register, contact Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Pastoral Care Department at (757) 953-5550

Media Officer Lt. j.g. Michael Larson

Editor MC2(SW) Austin Rooney Layout MC2(SW) Austin Rooney Rough Rider Contributors MC2(SW) Austin Rooney MC3(SW) Brian G. Reynolds MC3(SW) William McCann Command Ombudsman April Kumley cvn71ombudsman@yahoo.com The Rough Rider is an authorized publication for the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of TR. All items for publication in the The Rough Rider must be submitted to the editor no later than three days prior to publication. Do you have a story youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see in the Rough Rider? Contact the Media Department at 534-1406 or stop by 3-180-0-Q.