The Waterline
December 5, 2013
Vol. XXX No.46
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NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Congratulations to the Sailors of the Year
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Pedro A. Rodriguez
SAILORS WERE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS FOR FY 13.
From left, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jared J. Chieco of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (EXW) Stephen L. McCoy of Naval Support Activity Annapolis, Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Firdous Justice of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, and Master-at-Arms Seaman Morgan E. Casey of Naval Support Activity Washington.
Season’s Greetings Team 88! Brook joins me in wishing you all the best this holiday season and especially to thank you for your hard work in making 2013 another great year for Naval District Washington. I am honored to lead such an outstanding & dedicated team. As we get together with our families this holiday season let’s not forget our role of service to the Fleet, Fighter and Family -- that we have shipmates deployed all around the world standing the watch, defending freedom, giving hope and securing a brighter future for future generations of Americans and others, that what we do can make all the difference to many who depend on our services. At home, this year has been filled with unprecedented challenges; but through it all, you have carried on with tremendous professionalism and compassion. It has been your individual commitment and tireless effort that led to the success of our tenants, customers, partners and ultimately our region. Naval District Washington, you can all be justifiably proud in what we have accomplished! Finally, and most importantly, please remember to take care of yourselves, your shipmates and your families. Too often, shipmates or family members are affected by bad decisions during the holidays -from drinking and driving, suicide, domestic abuse, drug abuse, the holidays for some bring real dangers that can destroy lives. And unlike the hazards faced by our Sailors and Marines performing their demanding missions, these risks are usually not hard to
manage. The two seconds it takes to put on a seat belt, reach out to a friend, or intervene in a situation before it becomes a sexual assault, can save you or a friend, a lifetime of suffering - or a life. We wish you and your families’ peace, happiness and great success in all that you do this holiday season and in the coming year. Thank you for your dedication, selfless service and sacrifice. We are proud to serve alongside each of you. Keep up the great work and let’s get ready to have a great 2014! All the Best, Rear Admiral Rich 88th Commandant
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band Performed Free USO Concert for D.C. Navy Community By Chatney Auger Naval District Washington Public Affairs
U.S. Navy photos by MC2 Pedro A. Rodriguez
Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band performed a free United Service Organization (USO) concert for the Washington Navy Yard and Washington, D.C. Navy community at Constitution Hall, Dec. 3.
Around the Yard page 2 Link directly to www.dcmilitary. com /waterline on your Smart phone
Before the Lt. Dan Band performance, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus thanked USO and Sinise for making the concert happen. “We appreciate the support from the USO and Gary Sinise during this time of recovery, said Mabus. “Our Navy continues to grieve and heal, but in recovering from this tragedy, every day that goes by, our Navy team is stronger.” Sinise, who has strong ties to the military (his father and uncle were in the Navy during World War II), and the Lt. Dan Band have
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been in support of military cooperation with the USO since 2003. Sinise said that he has a passionate love for the country and that it feels great to know that this is something he can do to support the military. “It’s very important that you understand that you’re appreciated for the freedom that you provide. We don’t take what you do for granted. We go through tough times and we will be there for you,” said Sinise. The Lt. Dan Band, put on a two-hour family friendly performance to boost morale and strengthen the bonds of community among the Washington Navy Yard employ-
Thanksgiving Odyssey Cruise 2013 page 6
See USO Concert, Page 7
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Navy Department Library Looks to Future-proof Unique Historical Documents By MC1 Tim Comerford Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division
explained Igor Boras, senior construction manager for Public Works Department Naval Support Activity Washington, about the new system. According to the manufacturer, the gas provides for rapid fire extinguishing by a series of chemical and physical mechanisms and yet is so safe the gas is used by pharmaceutical companies as a propellant in asthma inhalers. While the gas is the primary system to put out fires, the room still retains a water system as a secondary measure. According to a fire protection engineer for Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), there is a good reason to keep the water system as well. According to the engineer, although water is very damaging to documents, actual fire incident history has shown that the damage from an unchecked fire is much greater than the damage from a fire that is controlled by sprinklers - even accounting for water damage. NAVFAC provided the gaseous suppression system to reduce the likelihood of water discharge, but also maintains the sprinkler system to provide a fail-safe in the event the gaseous system is overwhelmed or impaired. An added bonus is that the system is smaller than comparable systems so it will not take up as much space in the rare book room, where space is at a premium. “The cylinders used to dispense the gas are smaller,” Boras said. “So the system itself is smaller.”
The staff of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s (NHHC) Navy Department Library continued the renovation of its rare book room, Nov. 26, in order to better conserve the rare and unique documents preserved and stored in the room at the Washington Navy Yard. As part of an ongoing overhaul of various NHHC headquarters, the room is receiving a new fire suppression system, the FM-200 made by DuPont. The FM-200 uses a gas that will extinguish fire without damaging irreplaceable items, replacing a primary system of fire sprinklers that would have released damaging water onto priceless documents and artifacts. The overhaul highlights NHHC’s persistent commitment to professionalize the U.S. Navy’s museums and curatorial rooms, bringing them level with the best of America’s museums. “Water on these documents would practically be as bad as fire,” said Glenn Helm, Director of the Navy Department Library. “They would be ruined. It would stop the fire, but you would lose everything. The objective is to have a gas fire suppression system as the primary system. It will permeate everything but it won’t damage the books.” “Instead of water it discharges Heptaflouropropane - a colorless, odorless gaseous halocarbon that is non-toxic,”
See Library, Page 9
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Tim Comerford
Four pages of a message drafted in May 1814 sent from Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry to Secretary of the Navy William Jones detailing cargo and items seized from British ships during the Battle of Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813, lay on an archival table inside the Navy Department Library’s rare book room. The Battle of Lake Erie was one of the pivotal points of the War of 1812, with the United States trying to invade parts of Canada to use as a bargaining chip against the British in order to gain Sailor’s rights and Free Trade.
Around the Yard What do you do to stay financially stable during the holidays?
“I save up all year and I do not spend more than what I can pay in a reasonable amount of time.” Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Shane McClennen Naval District Washington Headquarters Security K-9
The Waterline
Commandant, Naval District Washington Rear Adm. Markham Rich NDW Public Affairs Officer Edward Zeigler Waterline Staff Writer Pat Gordon Copy Editor/Page Designer The Gazette/Comprint Military Publications Lorraine Walker All stories must be submitted by 4 p.m. the Thursday prior to publication. E-mail stories to: waterline.ndw.fcm@navy.mil or bring/mail to: The Waterline, 1411 Parsons Ave. SE, Suite 205, Washing-
“My husband and I just keep track of our banking accounts and also make sure we know our spending limits.” Stephanie Anderson NAVSEA Cost Analyst
ton Navy Yard, 20374. Submissions should be free of military times and should contain the first and last names with ranks/rates, warfare qualifications, job titles and duty station/command of all persons quoted or referred to. All submissions must also include the author’s name and office or telephone number where they can be reached. If you have further questions, call or contact the editor at (202) 433-9714, fax (202) 433-2158. This commercial enterprise Navy newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services, retirees, DOD civilians and their family members. Contents of The Waterline do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy, and does not imply endorsement thereof. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute
“I just try not to put anything on credit cards.” LCDR Anthony Roy Naval District Washington Joint Forces Headquarters
endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Navy, Naval District Washington or Comprint, Inc., of the products or services advertised. This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, (301) 9481520, a private firm in no way connected with DOD or the U.S. Navy, under exclusive contract with Naval District Washington. To place display advertising, please call (240) 4737538. To place classified advertising, call (301) 6702505. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. The editorial content of The Waterline is edited and approved by the public affairs office of Naval District Washington.
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This Week in Navy History December 5
1843 - Launching of USS Michigan at Erie, Pa., America’s first iron-hulled warship, as well as first prefabricated ship. 1941 - USS Lexington (CV-2) sails with Task Force 12 to ferry Marine aircraft to Midway, leaving no carriers at Pearl Harbor.
December 6
1830 - Naval Observatory, the first U.S. national observatory, established at Washington, D.C., under commander of Lt. Louis Malesherbes. 1901 - First report of Ship Model Basin at Washington Navy Yard issued by Naval Constructor David W. Taylor who designed the basin. It is the first facility of this type in U.S. to test hull shapes. 1917 - German submarine torpedoes sink USS Jacob Jones (DD-61) off England. 1968 - Operation Giant Slingshot began in Mekong Delta, Vietnam.
December 7
1917 - Four U.S. battleships arrive at Scapa Flow taking on the role of the British Grand Fleet’s Sixth Battle Squadron. Include USS Delaware (BB-28), USS Florida (BB-30), New York (BB-34), and USS Wyoming (BB-32). 1941 - Japanese carrier aircraft attack U.S. Pacific Fleet based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 1944 - Seventh Fleet forces land Army troops on shore of Ormoc Bay, Philippines. Kamikazes attack Task Force, damaging several U.S. Navy ships.
December 8
1933 - Secretary of the Navy establishes Fleet Marine Force, integrating a ready-todeploy Marine force with own aircraft into Fleet organization. 1941 - U.S. declares war on Japan. 1941 - USS Wake (PR-3), a river gunboat moored at Shanghai, is only U.S. vessel to
surrender during World War II. 1942 - Eight PT boats (PT 36, PT 37, PT 40, PT 43, PT 44, PT 48, PT 59, and PT 109) turn back 8 Japanese destroyers attempting to reinforce Japanese forces on Guadalcanal.
December 9
1938 - Prototype shipboard radar, designed and built by the Naval Research Laboratory, is installed on USS New York (BB-34). 1941 - USS Swordfish (SS-193) makes initial U.S. submarine attack on Japanese ship. 1952 - Strike by aircraft from Task Force 77 destroys munitions factory and rail facilities near Rashin, North Korea
Photo courtesy of Navy History and Heritage Command
USS Arizona (BB-39) sunk and burning furiously, 7 December 1941. Her forward magazines had exploded when she was hit by a Japanese bomb. At left, men on the stern of USS Tennessee (BB-43) are playing fire hoses on the water to force burning oil away from their ship.
December 10
1941 - Guam surrenders to Japanese. 1941 - Aircraft from USS Enterprise (CV6) attack and sink Japanese Submarine I-70 north of Hawaiian Islands. A participant in the Pearl Harbor Attack, I-70 is the first Japanese combatant ship sunk during World War II. 1941 - PBY piloted by Lt. Harmon Utter of VP-101 shoots down Japanese Zero aircraft in first Navy air-to-air kill during World War II. 1950 - Evacuation operations at Wonson, North Korea, completed. 1979 - First Poseidon submarine configured with Trident missiles, USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN-657) completes its initial deterrent patrol. 1982 - USS Ohio (SSBN-726), first Trident-Class submarine, returns from its first deterrent patrol.
December 11
1941 - Contract establishes the Naval Salvage Service. 1941 - Wake Island Garrison under Cmdr. Winfield Cunningham repulses Japanese invasion force. 1954 - First supercarrier of 59,630 tons, USS Forrestal (CVA-59), launched at Newport News, Va.
Navy Reserve Ready Mobilization Pool Disestablished
From Commander Navy Reserve Forces Command Public Affairs
Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, the Reserve Ready Mobilization Pool (RMP) will no longer be used to involuntarily recall Reserve Sailors. The RMP is being eliminated due to the drawdown in Iraq and Afghanistan and the extremely high mobilization volunteer rate throughout the Navy Reserve Force. “Although our immediate need for a large forward deployed force has been reduced in correlation with the drawdown in Afghanistan, our Reserve Sailors will continue to stand, ‘Ready. Anytime, Anywhere,” said Rear Adm. Bryan Cutchen, commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command. Across the force, the volunteer rate has consistently remained near 75 percent, with a September 2013 volunteer rate of 87.7 percent. This high volunteer rate is projected to continue due to the opportunities mobilizations provide for valuable career growth in a variety of joint and specialized billets. The Ready Mobilization Pool (RMP) was first implemented in 2009 to manage the mobilization of Reserve Officers. In 2010, Reserve Enlisted personnel were added to the pool, coinciding with an increase in the number of mobilizations across the en-
U.S. Navy photo by HMC Josh Ives
Soldiers and Sailors assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Farah and leadership from the Farah directorate of agriculture, irrigation and livestock file onto a CH-47 Chinook helicopter after a key leader engagement in Lash-e Juwayn. Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, the Reserve Ready Mobilization Pool (RMP) will no longer be used to involuntarily recall Reserve Sailors. tire Reserve Force which had reached their highest level since 2003. The mission of the Navy Reserve is to deliver strategic depth and operational capability to the Navy, Marine Corps, and Joint Forces For more news from Commander, Navy Reserve Force, visit www.navy.mil/local/nrf/.
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NSA Washington-JBAB Fleet Family and Fun Centralized Scheduling
Military and Family Support Center (MFSC) located on Joint Base Anacostia Bolling introduces a comprehensive centralized scheduling service for your individual appointment needs. One call to our screeners gets you an appointment for pre-separation briefs, employment services, clinical counseling, personal financial management, relocation, deployment and a host of other programs and services. MFSC is here to support you and stands ready to assist with every career and life change. Contact our Centralized Scheduling Center for individual, marriage and family counseling, individual resume assistance, financial counseling, relocation assistance or deployment/reintegration support. Please call 202-685-6019 to schedule an appointment.
CAREER SUPPORT AND RETENTION
The Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP)
Offers an array of services and benefits to transitioning service members, including computers setup for individuals to go online to different job banks, college and scholarship resources and career assessment tools. Resume Writing Workshops are offered which includes Federal Resume Writing Interview Skills, information on veterans’ benefits and a professional resource library; Two TAP Seminars and one Executive TAP Seminar - five-day programs - are offered monthly sponsored by the departments of Labor and Veteran Affairs, and include information that will benefit the transitioning military member.
Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) Offers seven basic services, which include job search strategies, job readiness, resource information, job referral service, individual counseling assistance, career planning and links to education and volunteer opportunities.
Improve your speaking skills with Helmsmen Toastmasters
Join us Thursdays, 7:30-8:45 a.m., at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center. Toastmasters is an international organization that helps everyone speak, think, lead and listen better. For more info, contact Carl Sabath at carl.sabath@osd. mil, 703-695-2804, or Elizabeth Femrite at elizabeth.m.femrite.civ@mail.mil, 571256-8674. Remember, great Helmsmen say, “Yes!” To learn more about Helmsmen Toastmasters, visit http://helmsmen.toastmastersclubs.org
Pre-Separation Briefings
Service members preparing to transition from military to civilian life are required by law to attend a pre-separation counseling briefing. The pre-separation brief is designed to make transitioning military members aware of all the services and benefits available to them and their family members under Transition GPS. These briefings will provide the information necessary to make
more informed decisions. For your convenience the pre-separation counseling briefing is available through one-on-one appointments at Military and Family Support Center and can be made through Centralized Scheduling at 202-685-6019.
DEPLOYMENT READINESS/ FAMILY SERVICES Personal Financial Management (PFM)
FFR/MWR Phone numbers Fitness Centers Washington Navy Yard, bldg. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-2282/2829
Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT) Ticket Office, WNY Bldg. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-2484 Travel Office, WNY Bldg. 184 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 685-8299
Program offers individual and family financial counseling, financial classes, and is responsible for the Command Financial specialist training in the Region (NDW).
Food & Beverage
Life Skills Education
MFSC, JBAB Bldg. 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-6151 MFSC, JBAB Bldg. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 767-0450
Provides presentations to help commands meet requirements, as well as enhance operational and personal readiness including parenting skills training, couples communication, anger and stress management, conflict resolution, Child Abuse Awareness, Spouse Abuse Awareness and suicide prevention. Trainings can be customized to fit needs of the command.
New Parent Support Program (NPS)
Catering & Conference Center, WNY Bldg. 211 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-3041/4312 Mordecai Booth’s Public House, WNY Bldg. 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 678-0514
Military and Family Support Center Other Important Numbers FFR Administrative Office, WNY Bldg. 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FFRP Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MWR Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MWR Marketing Department, WNY Bldg. 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regional Child Placement Office, JBAB Bldg. 414. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family Housing Office, JBAB Bldg. 414 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liberty Program/Center, JBAB Bldg. 72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outdoor Recreation/Equipment Rental, JBAB, Bldg. 928 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navy Gateway Inns & Suites, JBAB, Bldg. 602 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assists new parents in coping with the demands of parenting and military life through parenting education and training and home visits to new parents prior to delivery and after delivery; information and referral for military and community resources; child development screenings and monitoring. All active duty members and their families who are pregnant and or have children in the home from infancy to three years old are eligible for these home visitation services.
off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. You may also drop off Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Gooding Center lobby, in front of Temptations. Please place in the Toys for Tots box. For further information please call Naval Services FamilyLine 202-433-2333 during office hours.
Deployment/mobilization/readiness
Boys and Girls Club volunteers
Assisting Sailors and family members prepare for deployment, manage separations and reunite and reintegrate with families and community through services including the Family Accountability and Assessment System, Individual augmentee (IA) Indoc Course and Deployed Family Fun Days.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Provides assistance to service members with special needs children and family members with medical needs including resource referral to medical, counseling and educational services, support groups and care providers. Assists in finding duty stations where needs are met. Mandatory enrollment per OPNAVINST 1754.2D.
The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington needs volunteer coaches for their youth baseball league for 10-year-olds and 12-year-olds. For more information or to sign up, call 512-560-5548 from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. or email Michael.martinez@afncr.af.mil.
Toastmasters Club seeks members
The Bolling Toastmasters Club is available for everyone on JBAB as a place to practice your leadership skills. Toastmasters clubs are where leaders are made, and leadership starts with good communication. The program is self-paced, and it works. The Bolling Toastmasters Club meets Wednesdays from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. at the JBAB Chapel Center. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call Jim Queen at 301452-6931.
Washington Navy Yard Fitness Center Military and Family Support Offers Now Open Resume Review The Washington Navy Yard Fitness Center, located in W-22, has completed its renovations and is now open. Regular hours of operation is Monday through Friday from 5 am to 7 pm. Amenities include group exercise classes, cardiovascular equipment, free weights, racquetball courts, indoor tennis and basketball, nautilus equipment and personal training.
Toys For Tots
Naval Services FamilyLine is a toy drop off location for the Marines’ Toys for Tots. Please bring a new unwrapped toy to our office located on The Navy Yard by Dec. 5. The address is 1043 Harwood Street SE, Bldg 154 Suite 100; Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. 20374. We are available for drop
Call for appointment | 202-685-6019 Military and Family Support Center offers a one-on-one resume review session for those that are job seeking. Knowledgeable staff will sit down with you and review your resume and assist you in developing a results-oriented resume. Having a solid and effective resume can greatly improve your chances of landing an interview. According to a recent study from TheLadders, recruiters spend just six seconds scanning your resume for certain information. Will your resume make it in those six seconds? Your resume should portray your skills, talents, career highlights and make you stand out from the crowd. Focusing on your accomplishments vs. simple job experience and using key words can open the door for an interview.
(202) 433-3659 (202) 433-4052 (202) 433-4662 (202) 433-5912 (202) 433-3055 (202) 433-0346 (202) 685-1802 (202) 767-9136 (202) 404-7050
Download the Free “ABSalute” App
The JBAB Warfighter & Family Readiness Marketing Department developed a free smartphone application, bringing its resources to customers and employees on a mobile platform. Perfect for iPhone and Andriod devices. “ABSalute” is a fast and easy-to-use application designed to allow quick access to events and programs. Download the app and receive the latest information about MWR, as well as Warfighter and Family Readiness programs. The app features: - Facility finder including hours of operation, phone listings, and GPS capabilities - Upcoming special events and programs that can be added directly to your calendar - Outdoor Recreation and Capital Cove Marina equipment and boat rentals - Full dining facility menus - Quick links to the Navy-Air Force Half Marathon and Navy 5 Miler website, CNIC JBAB website, Naval District Washington (NDW) Facebook page and the current edition of the 411 magazine - Facility and Event Photos - Push notifications to alert users with the most current information.
Mordecai Booth’s Hours Change
Mordecai Booth’s, located on the ground floor of Building 101 on the Washington Navy Yard, has changed its hours. The new hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday, 2:30-8:30 p.m. Come on in and enjoy the same great service at a new time!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
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NDW News
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Naval District Washington Tree Lighting: A Bright History
Follow NDW on Facebook and Twitter
NDW has a Facebook fan page in order to provide updated information to all NDW residents, tenants, employees (military, civilian, and contractors), and the American public. Show your support, “Like Us,” and become a fan to see exciting news relating to the Naval District Washington. www.facebook.com/NavDistWash Follow us on Twitter @navaldistwash - http://twitter.com/NavalDistWash NSAW has a Twitter page for the Washington Navy Yard to provide the public with up-to-date operating hours of the Navy Yard portion of DC’s Riverwalk. Follow us on Twitter @WNYRiverwalk - http://twitter.com/WNYRiverwalk.
DSO Changes Walk-in Hours
Defense Service Office North has changed walk-in hours to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. DSO North is the local office for legal defense services. Attorneys are available to provide advice to service members regarding nonjudicial punishments, summary courts-martial, Article 138 and 1150 complaints, administrative separation processing, hardship discharges and suspect’s rights. Consultations are confidential. DSO is located onboard WNY in Building 200, Suite 1200. Service members should present in uniform.
Wearing of Portable headphones, earphones, and Bluetooth devices:
The wearing of portable headphones, earphones, cellular hands-free devices, radios, recording devices or other portable listening devices while running, jogging, walking, bicycling, skating, or skate boarding in roadways and streets interferes with and impairs recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements, and the approach of EVs. NSAW personnel are advised use of these devices while performing the noted activities aboard NSAW fence line installations is prohibited. (TRAFFIC OPNAVINST 5100.12J)
Helmsmen Toastmasters Want to improve your speaking and leadership skills? Come to Helmsmen Toastmasters! Join us Thursdays,7:30-8:45 a.m., at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center (PLCC). Toastmasters is an international organization that helps everyone speak, think, lead and listen better. For more info, contact Annika L’Ecuyer (annika. lecuyer@pentagon.af.mil or 703-614-7160) or Elizabeth Femrite (elizabeth.m.femrite. civ@mail.mil or 571-256-8674). More information can be found at the Helmsmen Toastmasters website, http://helmsmen.toastmastersclubs.org.
NAVY 311 “NAVY 311” is the place to go for all types of information to help support Navy military, civilian, and retiree personnel and their families. Access NAVY 311 at 1-855NAVY-311 or (DSN) 510-NAVY-311. You can also email NAVY311@navy.mil or visit www.NAVY311.navy.mil.
Navy Wives Clubs of America
The D.C. Metro chapter of Navy Wives Clubs of America, Eleanor Roosevelt #37, hosts meetings every second Thursday of the month to discuss and plan volunteer activities in the local military and civilian communities. Military spouses of all branches are welcome to attend. For more information, email angeladowns@ me.com or visit www.facebook.com/NWCA37.
PAX Clinical Counseling Services
Clinical Counseling services can directly improve the quality of life of service members and their family by addressing the stressors facing today’s military: family hardships, marital conflicts, parent/child issues, money concerns, frequent moves, health and environmental factors, and many other difficulties. Make an appointment with a counselor by calling 301-342-4911 or 202-685-6019.
JBAB Cub Scouts
Attention all boys grades 1st through 5th interested in scouting. Please contact the JBAB Cub Scouts, Pack 343, at jbabcubscouts@yahoo.com for more information. Each den holds their own meetings each month along with one pack event. Boys will earn badges together and can work on individual achievements as well. Come join us for popcorn, camping and so much more
JBAB Girl Scouts
Calling all Girls! Girls registered in Kindergarten - 12th grade this fall and interested in joining should contact JBABgirlscouts@yahoo.com. The troop meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the community center on Chappie James Blvd at 6 p.m. Girl Scouts; building girls with confidence, character and courage for 100 years.
Photo by NDW Public Affairs
The 2013 NDW tree lighting will kick off the holiday season at Naval District Washington. By Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer A grand tradition of the Washington Navy Yard (WNY) for decades has been the tree lighting ceremony, an annual event to kick off the holiday season in Naval District Washington (NDW). The ceremony, hosted by the Commandant of NDW and attended by the NDW community as well as military attachés and their families from around the world, draws many to the region to share in the holiday spirit. “I believe the tree lighting marks the formal beginning of the holiday season here in NDW,” said Stuart McLean, NDW director of ceremonies and special events. “The lights and decorations on the tree at Leutze Park and the multicolored lights on Display Ship Barry are reminders of special times with family and friends, but are also reminders that many of our shipmates will be on watch around the world away from their families and friends during the holidays.”
While there is no clear indication as to when the event began formally, some speculate that the tree lighting began after the Chief of Naval Operations’ (CNO) official residence was moved to Quarters A at the Washington Navy Yard in 1974. “I can’t tell you for sure how long this event has been going on, but I can tell you that when I first arrived at the Washington Navy Yard in 1986 as a member of the Navy Band, this event had already been going on annually for some time and has been ever since,” said McLean. Others on the yard go back further in their recollections. “My first year on base was 1981, when I was an EM3 on the CNO’s staff, and there was a tree lighting then” said Doug Greene, of Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington. “In those days the commandant lived in Quarters B and the CNO in Quarters A. Both Admirals had their holiday parties on the same night as the tree light-
See Tree Lighting, Page 10
Outreach Event Prepares Wounded Warriors for Civilian Careers By Ryan Hunter NSAB Public Affairs staff writer
Healing is a full time job, and for many wounded warriors at Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) preparing for a civilian career while in recovery can be tough. However, Jennifer Anderson, a team leader for Operation Warfighter (OWF) believes “you can prepare for a career with our help.” On Nov. 13, OWF, a liaison between federal agencies and wounded, ill or injured service members looking to transition into the civilian job market, held the OWF outreach event career fair. More than a dozen federal government agencies looking to provide service members with on site job training through internship positions appeared at the event. Many of the internships are “custom tailored to meet wounded warrior interests,” said Chris Durachka, associate chief of the software division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. “If a service member wants to look into computer security, we’ll talk to our security team and develop an internship
Photo by Ryan Hunter
Sgt. Franz Walkup and his wife speak to representatives from the Selective Services System during the Operation Warfighter outreach event. The next career fair is scheduled for Dec. 5. specifically for them. The point of it is to see what they really want to pursue and bridge that gap.” According to Anderson, unlike most private business internships, these positions are flexible and designed to meet
See Outreach, Page 10
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Thanksgiving Odyssey Cruise 2013
Photos by: Courtney Dock, Joint-Base Myer-Henderson Hall Public Affairs
Service members representing all branches of the U.S. military were treated to an afternoon cruise and pre-Thanksgiving dinner along the Potomac River Nov. 26, aboard Washington, D.C.’s, Odyssey cruise line. The celebration was part of Odyssey’s annual Patriot Day Thanksgiving cruise that brings together veterans, wounded warriors and single service members from around the National Capital Region (NCR).
NEX Exceptional Customer Service Award
Photo by MC2 Pedro A. Rodriguez
Chief Yeoman Todd Swing, assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency presents a plaque to Washington Navy Yard NEXCOM Branch Manager Gary Eliott on behalf of the FY 14 CPO selectees at the Washington Navy Yard (WNY) NEX store. The award was for the exceptional customer service provided during this year’s Pride Season to the chief selects as part of the CPO uniform fitting night.
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Travel Safety Makes the Holiday Season a Safe One By Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer The holidays are a time that bring families and friends together to give thanks and gather around good food and maybe some football. But whether you are a traveler, a diner or a cook, be safety-minded during this busy holiday. One of commands’ primary concerns during holidays is travel safety, George Revoir Jr., Naval Support Activity Washington (NSAW) safety installation program director. “The holidays can be a great time to get together with the family and friends,” said Revoir. “But it’s also really important to remember that this is a time of the year when a lot of accidents can happen, so it’s important to remember safety.” The Naval Safety Center recommends that drivers and passengers plan accordingly to avoid rushing, always wear a seatbelt, and avoid tired driving. Peake also advises that drivers also be mindful of weather conditions throughout their trip. “When driving take frequent breaks, and get out to walk around and stretch your legs every hour or so,” said Revoir. “This will keep your blood flowing well and aid in focus and alertness.” An additional resource widely used by command leaders is the Travel Risks Planning System (TRiPS), to avoid possible hazards while driving. Sailors can download the auto-
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ees and families, who were affected by the tragic events of Sept. 16. Among those Washington Navy Yard employees that enjoyed the concert was Ben Wojtasik with Naval District Washington Strategy and Future Requirements. “I had a great time at the concert, said Wojtasik. “Gary and the band were great - I couldn’t tell who had more fun, the audience or the performers! Gary said his mission was to make sure everyone left a little bit happier than when they arrived. Judging by the reaction of those in the crowd, he absolutely delivered.” The band played various genres of music as about 2,000 service members, DoD personnel, civilians and their families sang along and danced to the music. The USO is a private, nonprofit organization that provides morale and recreational services to members of the U.S. military. To see photos of the concert, visit NDW’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ navdistwash.
mated risk-assessment tool through the NSC website or through Navy Knowledge Online. “One of the most important things to do before getting on the road, especially before a long car ride, is having a plan including an alternate route, provide plenty of time to get there, and always get plenty of sleep,” said Walter Fulton, a contract safety instructor trainer with Cape Fox Professional Service. “If you’re in the Navy, I recommend utilizing the Travel Risk Planning System - or TRiPS - before getting on the road. It’s available through Navy Knowledge Online and the Naval Safety Center, and it provides information and tips on safe travel.” Holiday driving is of concern to the Navy. Over the past summer alone the Navy reports that 33 Navy personnel were killed in motor vehicle incidents; 15 deaths as a result of 4-wheeler mishaps, 14 deaths as a result of 2-wheel vehicular mishap (either operator or passenger), and four deaths as result of pedestrian involved mishap between May 31, 2013, and Aug. 16, 2013. Revoir warns that weather becomes a greater factor in traffic safety during the holiday season with the onset of winter storms, ice, and snow. An additional threat comes from alcohol. “Driving under the influence is as dangerous as playing ‘Russian Roulette’ with a loaded revolver. Don’t gamble with your life,
See Travel Safety, Page 10
U.S. Navy photo by Patrick Gordon
Sgt. Tim Aronhalt, Maryland State Police DUI enforcement coordinator, discusses the impacts of consuming too much alcohol during an NDW safety stand down at the Washington Navy Yard. Travel safety is stressed throughout the holiday season for the number of increased incidents of fire and traffic accidents during the holidays.
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Navy Announces New Holiday DOD Must Control Rising Stress Navigation Campaign, Personnel Costs, Hagel ‘Thrive during the Holidays’ Tells NCOs From Chief of Naval Personnel With the holiday season approaching, Navy officials have launched its annual holiday stress navigation campaign. This year’s campaign, “Thrive During the Holidays,” will provide Sailors and families proactive resources to get ahead of holiday chaos while focusing on building resilience for the New Year. “For many of us, ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ is as demanding as it is joyous,” said Capt. Kurt Scott, Navy resilience chief. “Our Sailors and families are operating under more stress and uncertainty than ever this year, and planning for the holidays can be overwhelming. Our annual campaign will address everything from financial preparations to maintaining diet and fitness goals, so that we can help everyone stay in the holiday spirit and position themselves to thrive in the New Year.” Navy Operational Stress Control’s 2013 “Thrive During the Holidays” campaign will include collaboration between Navy’s 21st Century Sailor programs and other readiness programs to offer resources on topics such as responsible alcohol use during holiday celebrations; planning and time management; budgeting; incorporating physical
fitness into busy schedules; healthy eating tips; spirituality and relationship fitness; and more. “Our focus is helping Sailors and families proactively identify these sources of stress before things start to pile up on them, so that they can truly enjoy their holidays and do so responsibly,” said Scott. “Continuing our effort to promote a sense of community, we really have something for everyone this year from families navigating the holidays with a loved one on deployment to helping Navy kids ‘Track Santa.’” Engagement with the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s annual “NORAD Tracks Santa” promotion is a new initiative for the OPNAV N171 annual holiday campaign this year, part of an expanded effort to reach out to Navy kids. The “Thrive During the Holidays” campaign will continue through early January 2014. Releases can be found on Navy Operational Stress Control’s blog, www. navynavstress.com, and the Navy Suicide Prevention website, www.suicide.navy.mil. Follow Navy Operational Stress Control on Twitter and Facebook @NavStress for the latest updates to help you and your family “Thrive During the Holidays.” For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service
The Defense Department has to get personnel costs under control, according to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. During Hagel’s monthly lunch with junior non-commissioned officers at his Pentagon office recently, the secretary had a clear message on this point. “You can’t build institutions, you can’t build national security for this country, unless you have the right people motivated in the right culture and they believe they are being treated fairly,” the secretary said. The secretary also discussed the issue of sexual assaults in the military. He told the NCOs that the system was broken, and that the services are working to fix it. One NCO noted to the secretary that the recent case of an officer tasked with formulating service policy to combat sexual assault being accused of the crime does not help the push to eliminate sexual assaults in the military. The NCOs also discussed the issue of women in combat with the secretary. Hagel said he does not want a lowering of standards or a quota system for putting women into combat jobs. Rather, he said,
he wants equality of opportunity for all service members. But the discussion with the NCOs came down to money and the defense budget. Former secretaries Robert M. Gates and Leon E. Panetta pointed out that the department cannot afford the uncontrolled growth in personnel accounts. The services already have plans to cut the number of personnel, and that sequestration-mandated spending cuts will speed this process if they continue. “Health care costs are consuming a larger and larger percentage of our budget every year,” Hagel said. “Personnel costs right now, including retirement compensation [and] health care, are about 50 percent of our total budget.” If this continues, the Defense Department cannot afford it, the secretary said. “We made a number of recommendations over the past few years, . but Congress has to be a partner in this,” he added. “If we don’t make some tough choices along the way, . then we’ll have a military that is heavily compensated, but probably a force that is not capable and not ready.” This is not a subjective evaluation, Hagel said, and it is the way the military is heading, unless changes are made.
Emergency Training Put to Test with Crash Exercise
By Paul Bello Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs
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An invaluable aircraft crash exercise was conducted on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Nov. 13 near the Naval Research Laboratory and base housing off of McGuire Avenue. JBAB’s Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Public Works departments, along with its Incident Management Team and Emergency Management Office, took part in the drill that looks to instill key training in not only emergency response, but how organizations communicate with each other in the event of an emergency. While one group is at the scene aiding and transporting victims and those injured, many other variables are at play. Traffic needs to be maintained; outside agencies must be notified; requests from the media must be properly handled and those living, working and visiting the base must be accounted for in a timely manner. JBAB Vice Commander Air Force Col. Michael E. Saunders was pleased with how the exercise unfolded, particularly with the communication between JBAB and its mission partners. He hopes to raise the bar and get even better with future exercises. “I would like to see a checklist so our team members know what to do and that there’s a standard expectation of what happens at the Emergency Operations Center,” Saunder said. “Other than that, I believe things went really well.” Erik Grosof, assistant to the director of operations for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), was a return guest to JBAB this year, as he participated in last year’s crash exercise. While there’s security on a military installation, that doesn’t
U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jim Remington
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Fire and Emergency Services Capt. Christopher Hill directs a fellow firefighter to a patient triage area during a training exercise Nov. 13. change any of the challenges or demands in an emergency, he said. “This is a controlled exercise. Though, in the event of an actual crash, we’re looking at five to seven days of having to walk through a crash site and document everything,” Grosof said. “That’s a general timeframe for something like this. There’s a lot of air traffic over JBAB. It’s very important to stay prepared and have contingency measures in place.” During a briefing at the Emergency Operations Center, Grosof provided an overview of the NTSB and its role in times of emergencies, in addition to its standard operating procedure in the event of an aircraft crash. Timothy Trammel, director of training and emergency readiness at JBAB, agreed with Saunders that the exercise was a success and that communication was solid among all the participating organizations. “I was very pleased with everyone’s response. Participation was great,” Trammel said. “There’s a lot involved with exercises like this.”
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Safety Improves at Navy’s Fleet Readiness Centers By Gary Younger Commander Fleet Readiness Centers Public Affairs The Navy’s Fleet Readiness Centers are becoming safer places to work. This is the message taken to the Pentagon, Nov. 6, as top officials from Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River touted efforts to increase safety and reduce injuries for employees to the Navy Executive Safety Board, chaired by the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. “Providing quality aircraft, engines and components at an affordable cost to the fleet is our mandate and providing a safe work environment for our employees is our obligation,” said Dennis West, deputy commander of COMFRC, which oversees eight major FRCs. “I believe we demonstrated that.” In the last four fiscal years, the Total Case Incident Rate (TCIR) and Days Away, Restricted and/or Transfer Case Incidence Rate (DART) throughout COMFRC have been greatly reduced. TCIR is the rate of nonfatal recordable injuries and/or illnesses for every 100 employees. DART measures the rate of illnesses or injuries requiring restricted work activity, job transfer, and/or days away from work for every 100 employees. Both rates have dropped below Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for similar industrial workplaces.
The total number of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable nonfatal injury and illness cases at FRC East, located at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., for example, was reduced from 207 in fiscal year 2010 to 97 in fiscal year 2013. During the same time period, TCIR was cut in half and DART cases reduced nearly two-thirds. “These reductions are impressive, but we have more work to do,” said Ken Pettersen, COMFRC director of Safety and Regulatory Compliance. “Our goal is to reduce injuries to as low a rate as possible. We’re doing it by mitigating risks, educating our employees and responding as quickly as possible to potential issues.” A significant emphasis on command-wide safety has contributed to a remarkable and dramatic decline in injuries. Throughout COMFRC, a combined $15.5 million has been invested in the past five years on safety-related equipment and resources to help keep employees safer while working on aircraft. Actions include procurement of fall protection and ergo-
nomic handling equipment, additional personal protection equipment, replacing and repairing outdated equipment and facilities, enhanced training, and more. “We’ve had success in the past and we look forward to partnering with OSHA and other outside agencies to continue making the FRCs as safe a work environment as possible,” West said. “OSHA has a depth of knowledge and expertise that we can tap into and become better at what we do.” Another key area of emphasis for COMFRC is protecting employees and the public from exposure to heavy metals such as Hexavalent Chromium, also known as chromium (VI). Exposure can occur during the painting of aircraft exteriors, interiors or parts, and during the sanding and grinding of chromate-based coatings prevalent in naval aircraft. In combating potential heavy metal exposure FRCs have increased attention to cleaning, banned food and drink in
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NHHC’s Navy Department Library rare book room, a climate-controlled vault, features documents both unique and rare. The room even boasts a whole shelf of books written before 1600. During the renovation process, the rare books have been put into a partitioned part of the room to keep these incredibly rare volumes and documents safe. “It houses our oldest and most valuable material, both books and manuscripts,” James Allen Knechtmann, the library’s head of reference, explained about the room. “This is the holy of holies of Navy history. We have Nimitz’s commissioning certificates, a certificate naming him an honorary Knight Commander of the Bath with King George VI’s signature on it, a menu from USS Kearsarge signed by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1903, a log from a Royal Navy warship captured during the American Revolution; there is a lot of rare material, much of it absolutely irreplaceable.” “It’s literally a treasure house of the Navy. John Paul Jones’ calling card collection from when he was with the Russian navy, documents captured on U-505 when Daniel Gallery boarded the sub - it’s this fabulous selection of incredibly rare items. One can spend a day describing treasures in here,” Helm added. The books in the rare book room have proven invaluable to writers and researchers, including some who went on to fame for the works they wrote based on the rare book room’s collection. “One of the researchers that used the room was Rick Atkinson,” Helm said. “He wrote a trilogy, one of the volumes of which is called ‘An Army at Dawn,’ about the invasion of North Africa in 1942. He received a Pulitzer Prize for that book. My name is in the acknowledgements to it, because I helped him when he was here. [Knechtmann] and most of the staff can say similar things.” The work on the room is expected to be finished sometime in January. “We hope by the end of January we are in the position to be putting the books back, as well as [wall] hangings and decorations and having a perfect new room,” Helm remarked. The system, the first of its kind to be installed anywhere at NHHC, is a way of making sure in the future that Navy Department Library rare documents and artifacts have a better chance of surviving a catastrophe such as a fire and bringing the room’s safeguards in line with other major institutions. It’s a job that Helm and Knechtmann both take very seriously. “It’s a job, but it is also an honor and privilege to work with this material, to try to protect it and shepherd it into the future,” Helm said. “As a professional it doesn’t get any better.” For more information on the Navy Department Library and the rare book room, visit Naval History and heritage Command’s website at www.history.navy.mil/library/online/bythebook.htm. For more news from Naval History and Heritage Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navhist/.
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or the lives of others,” said Revoir. “If you’re hosting a party, ensure designated drivers are available, and if not, offer a place to stay. Provide plenty of food so guests don’t drink as much, and don’t push drinks on guests; it’s ok not to drink. Cut off alcohol a couple hours before the party ends and make sure your guests have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages like water and soda to drink. Revoir also recommends that drivers use the Washington Region Alcohol Safety Program (WRAP) to get where they are going safely.
WRAP’s 2013 Holiday SoberRide program will be offered from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly from Dec. 13, 2013, to Jan. 1, 2014. To receive a free cab ride home, up to a $30 fare, please call 800-200-8294 (TAXI). AT&T customers may dial #WRAP from their wireless phones. Callers are financially responsible for anything over $30. Callers are reminded that they must be 21 or older to use the service. All requests for SoberRide service must be called to and dispatched from 1-800-200-8294, where a SoberRide call operator will direct the request to the correct participating cab company. For more holiday safety tips visit www. safetycenter.navy.mil/.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com.
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ing, and after the tree was lit, their guests would go to which ever quarters they were invited to. The tree in ‘81 was a really bad looking Charlie Brown type tree.” John Imparato, retired employee of NDW, said the tree lighting had been well established by the time he arrived at the Washington Navy Yard in 1994. He added that during his time at WNY, the ceremony had changed locations, but the spirit was always the same. “For many years the reception was held in the commandant’s home, Quarters B. After Quarters B was re-assigned, NDW used a tent. It was not ideal, so other options were considered,” said Imparato. “The Town Center has worked out well the past few years. A recent addition is the bonfire. The NDW Fire Department oversees the planning, and it adds a festive touch.” Throughout its history, the tree lighting has a tendency to bring the community together on the Washington Navy Yard and warm spirits even as the temperature dips, as McLean recollects. “I remember my first NDW tree lighting in 1986 as being on such a cold evening that it was difficult to play our brass instruments,” said McLean. “Also performing was a group from the Eastern High School Chorus from Southeast D.C. Listening to them and seeing how happy they were to
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the demanding needs of a service member’s recovery. “It might just be a 10 hour a week part-time position, or it could be up to 40 hours if their medical appointments are fewer and further between. Every case is different. It’s not a cookie cutter type of opportunity.” “Once someone completes [their internship with] OWF and is within approximately 90 days of separating [from the military,] I get their resume,” said Ed Cody, the national capital region coordinator for The Office of Warrior Care Policy’s Education and Employment Initiative (E2I). “I connect them to organizations that I know are looking for people with their skills.” E2I works directly with OWF and many of the federal agencies to secure jobs for service members, often at the same location where they are completing their internship. Positions aren’t guaranteed, but are favorable if agencies have vacancies and are looking to fill them. “[Employers] who have already had the opportunity to work with our guys through this internship for six months or more know what they can do,” said Cody. Even if it’s not possible for a disabled service member to find paid employment at the same place where they’ve worked as an intern, the E2I can help turn their experience into a sustainable career. “We’re connected with all the federal agencies, major corporations and a lot of other smaller corporations who are intent upon hiring veterans and understand the
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or near production areas, increased training, purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuums, increased equipment maintenance schedules, and aggressively shared best business practices across all FRC sites.
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participate is my favorite memory of NDW tree lightings.” Though the tree lighting is a relatively recent tradition in the history of WNY, the region has celebrated the season for generations. According to John G. Sharp’s book, “History of the Washington Navy Yard Civilian Work Force, 1799-1962,” the Washington Navy Yard, then called the Naval Gun Factory, would host an annual “Orphans Christmas Party” in the 1940s. “Beginning in 1944, the employees held large toy drives and then contacted local orphanages and homes for underprivileged children,” according to Sharp. “Each year’s party was bigger than the last as thousands of toys were bought, packaged and distributed to poor children. Shops and offices competed with each other to see who could bring in the most presents or offer the most extravagant entertainment.” Even as far back as the 19th century, the leadership at WNY seemed to treat the Christmas holiday as a day of rest, as indicated by a WNY station log entry dated “Christmas Day, 1828” that reads, “This Day fresh breezes from the N.W. and clear weather Christmas day and nobody at work.” Whatever the history behind it, the NDW tree lighting ceremony at WNY continues to delight young and old. This year’s tree lighting will be held Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. in Admiral Leutze Park on WNY. For more information on NDW, visit http://www.facebook.com/NavDistWash. value of having veterans on their staff,” said Cody. “Disabled veterans are high on the list of a lot of organizations and there is a lot of support to find opportunities for them in career oriented jobs, not just stocking cans at your local store.” Many of the wounded warriors involved in the internship and employment programs are at least 30 percent disabled and this factor does not work against them. All of the federal agencies and private companies attending the OWF outreach event have facilities designed to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. According to Cody, these organizations also, “use preferential hiring authorities to bring [disabled] individuals on the payroll without competition.” “We’ve had probably 30 interns over the last 3 or 4 years [at Goddard],” said Durachka. “Our [career employment] placement record [for interns] is about 10 percent, but we easily offer more than 30 percent of our interns jobs. A lot of them go back to school using their G.I. Bill or decide to go into a different area.” Staff Sgt. Alejandro Jauregui, supports the program and believes it, “provides a great opportunity,” for him and his fellow wounded warriors. “It’ll get you set up for your future. I’ve been in the military since high school and I know it will, at the very least, help build up my resume,” said Jauregui. The next OWF outreach event is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 15 in the Building 17 lobby. To find out more information about the program contact Jennifer Anderson at 703-428-7517 or via email at Jennifer. Anderson.ctr@osd.mil “Working with OSHA, we’ve developed an action plan to significantly reduce employee exposure to heavy metals,” said Pettersen. “We haven’t had any reported illnesses due to heavy metal exposure and we can’t take the risk.” More than $7.75 million has been earmarked in fiscal year 2013 for heavy-metal abatement construction and upgrade improvements throughout the Command, with another $23.8 million in investments for 2014-2015.
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