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SEPTEMBER 9, 2020/Volume 1/Issue 5 LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM
Supporting the Military, Veterans, and their Families across The Liberty Coast
On Base • In Town • Pro-Military
The 4th AAV Bravo Company Neighbors, Protectors & Philanthropists
Suicide Prevention: A Call To Action across The Liberty Coast
Patriot Day Remembering 9/11
02 | LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 5
Liberty Life
SEPTEMBER 9 2020//VOL.1 ISSUE 5
CONTENTS
Cover Photo Credit: U.S. Marines
5 Liberty Coast: Marine Forces Reserve 5 K9s for Warriors 7 Feature: The Fire Watch 8 Liberty Voices: Letter From The Editor 9 News Briefs 10 Liberty Playbook 11 Liberty Resources 13 Liberty Calendar 13 Patriot Day - Remembering 9/11
YOUR Story: we’ll share it with The Liberty Coast: LIBERTY LIFE needs your help to tell the amazing stories
and share the bountiful resources for the military, Veterans, and their families of The Liberty Coast. Share YOUR story, resource, or event, or tell us someone whose story should be told.
Here’s how:
Visit LibertyLifeMedia.com/Submissions and submit Your Story. Let’s not stop there, we encourage you to share relatable, relevant and useful: •Stories and News •Events and Activities •Photos/Art/Cartoons •Special Offers Visit LibertyLifeMedia.com/Community and register your: •Military Servicemember and Veteran-Owned Businesses in the M/VOB Directory. •Resources and Services for the military, Veterans, and their families. •Individual Military and Veteran Profile in the Military and Veteran Registry. Military units and Veteran organizations: add us to your trusted media list and help us tell the story of how you support living the Liberty Life! We encourage you to routinely submit stories and news on The Liberty Coast. Become a Content Contributor and we’ll publish your contributions. They could be original or shared information, events, or lists. We hope a byline, publishing platform, published profile, and special access begins to express our gratitude.
VETERAN-LED: Publisher Joe Snowberger, U. S. Navy Mustang (Ret) (904) 476-7861 Publisher@LibertyLifeMedia.Com Editor Stephanie Thompson, U. S. Navy Mustang Veteran (702) 573-5506 Editor@LibertyLifeMedia.Com Director of Sales Vince Ponciano, U. S. Air Force Veteran (904) 415-7800 Vince@LibertyLifeMedia.Com Business Manager Nancy Zarling, U. S. Navy Veteran Admin@LibertyLifeMedia.Com PRODUCTION: Art Director Sarah McLaughlin ArtDirector@LibertyLifeMedia.Com Assistant Editor Courtney Stringfellow AEditor@LibertyLifeMedia.Com SALES: Automotive Advertising Staci Edwards Manager@AutoSourceWeekly.com DISTRIBUTION: Want to be a Liberty Life pick-up location? Bobby Pendexter CosmicDistributions@gmail.com
Help us at Liberty Life provide relatable, relevant and useful information to the military, Veterans, and their families serving and living on The Liberty Coast(SM). Liberty Life Media welcomes editorial, photographic and calendar contributions. Submit stories, events, people, milestones and military/ Veteran discount offers at
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MWR Jacksonville Information on
REOPENING
NAS Jacksonville is currently in HEALTH CONDITION (HPCON) CHARLIE. This page will be updated accordingly should any changes take effect.
Effective Thursday, Sept. 3 the following facilities will reopen with necessary contingencies mentioned below. At this time, group gatherings remain suspended, including bingo, bowling leagues, sailing lessons, special events, trips, tours, tournaments and any similar activities. AUTO SKILLS CENTER Face masks required and mandatory temperature checks upon entry. HOURS OF OPERATION Mechanic Areas - Tuesday-Saturday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Auto Skills Office - Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. BASE GYM Active Duty and Reservists only. Face masks required and mandatory temperature checks upon entry. Masks may be removed whenever exercising. Max 20 personnel. Max 10 personnel in the locker rooms. Entry through the front door only. The gymnasium, sauna, steam room and racquetball courts are closed.All towel services and massage therapies remain cancelled. All outdoor courts, fields & picnic areas are open for individual use. All Group Fitness classes, Command PT, Intramural Sports & CFL courses remain suspended. HOURS OF OPERATION Monday-Thursday: 5-8 a.m., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-7 p.m. Friday: 5-8 a.m., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. INDOOR POOL Active Duty and Reservists lap swim only. Face masks required and mandatory temperature checks upon entry. Masks may be removed during swim. Max 20 personnel. HOURS OF OPERATION Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 6-8 a.m., 12-1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.• Tuesday&Thursday: 5-7 a.m., 12-1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.• Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. OUTDOOR POOL Face masks required and mandatory temperature checks and questionnaire upon entry. Masks may be removed during swim.Max 50 personnel in the Outdoor Pool. Max 6 personnel in the locker rooms. Splash park and slide closed. Limited lounge chairs and tables available. Packaged snacks only for sale in snack bar. HOURS OF OPERATION (THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2020) Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
FITNESS CENTER & OUTDOOR PAVILION Active Duty and Reservists only. Face masks required and mandatory temperature checks upon entry. Masks may be removed whenever exercising. Max 50 personnel in the Fitness Center. Max 15 personnel in the Outdoor Pavilion area. Max 10 personnel in the locker rooms. All towel services and massage therapies remain cancelled. The HPT Room remains closed and all group fitness and intramural sports are suspended. HOURS OF OPERATION Monday-Thursday: 5-8 a.m., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-7 p.m. Friday: 5-8 a.m., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
MULBERRY COVE MARINA Face masks required and mandatory temperature checks upon entry. Rentals permitted for kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, surfboards, charcoal cookers and ice chests only. Max 8 personnel in retail area. HOURS OF OPERATION Monday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.• Thursday-Sunday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. GOLF / MULLIGAN’S Face masks required and mandatory temperature checks upon entry. Masks may be removed when dining.Mulligan’s is open daily for dine in or take out, 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. The Golf Pro Shop is open daily, 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Max 5 personnel inside Golf Pro Shop. Max 72 personnel inside Mulligan’s dining room. Max 17 personnel in Bar Area.Tables cannot be joined together. Entry through the front door only. Dine on the Go online ordering available (here). Mulligan’s has introduced a limited menu, click (here) to view. Use of golf carts has been reactivated but is limited to one person per cart. Cashless transactions will be maintained and only credit cards may be used for purchases. HOURS OF OPERATION Mulligan’s - Daily: 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Golf Pro Shop - Daily: 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. LIBERTY CENTER Face masks required and mandatory temperature checks upon entry. Max 19 personnel. Max 3 personnel in each program area at a time. Use of massage chairs and board games suspended. No collateral required to check out items. Patrons must provide name and command information. HOURS OF OPERATION Daily: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. COMMUNITY RECREATION Face masks required and mandatory temperature checks upon entry. Max 4 personnel in the office. All equipment available to rent with the exception of corn hole sets. HOURS OF OPERATION Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
TICKETS & TRAVEL OFFICE Face masks required and mandatory temperature checks upon entry. Max 10 personnel in the ticket office. Group size limited to 2 whenever possible. Entry through the front door only. Exit facility via the door on north side of building.Drinking fountain closed. HOURS OF OPERATION Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.• Saturday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. SKEET RANGE Face masks required and mandatory temperature checks upon entry. Masks may be removed whenever outside of the office. Max 1 person in office at any time with Range Master. Max 4 personnel in Lanai. Max 1 person in the Cleaning Area in the Lanai. Max 4 personnel per picnic table while waiting to shoot. Max 5 personnel on skeet field. 1 puller and 4 shooters. Only the puller may touch/handle clay delay handheld remote. Max 1 person in Trap House to reload skeet machines. Max 2 personnel in Trap House to reload the trap machine. Members must request all supplies from Range Master. Multiple members may not use the same gun. No shooting instruction permitted. HOURS OF OPERATION Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.• Saturday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. DEWEY’S - WILL REOPEN WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9 Face masks required and mandatory temperature checks upon entry. Masks may be removed when dining. Open for dine in or take out: Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Max 64 personnel in the dining area. Max 16 personnel on deck of Dewey’s. Group size limited to 6 per table. Max 12 personnel in Semi Private dining area. Max 25 personnel in CPO lounge. Max 8 personnel on deck of CPO lounge.Max 110 personnel in main hall. Soda fountain machine removed from main hall. Bingo program closed. Dine on the Go online ordering available (here). Dewey’s has introduced a limited menu, click (here) to view. CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAMS Effective Monday, July 20, the Child Development Center and Youth Activities Center hours of operation will be 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. until further notice. Transitioning to CYP Level 2 or higher NLT March 30. Access of care focused on mission essential/mission critical personnel with registered children and must be validated through submission of Childcare Declaration Form here. Drop in care is suspended. Youth Activities Center will be operating as a full day care program for already registered children. All programs and trips away from the Youth Activities Center are suspended. Recreational Lodging. NGIS remains open to mission essential travelers. Leisure travel reservations through September 30 are suspended. RV Park will remain open to those currently residing in the park only. Heritage Cottages will remain open to those currently residing in the cottages only.
For all updates visit NavyMWRJacksonville.com /MWRJACKSONVILLE
NAVYMWRJACKSONVILLE.COM MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION
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JACKSONVILLE
Liberty Coast 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion - Bravo Company
Neighbors, Protectors and Philanthropists
What entity neighbors the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, provides readyto-deploy U.S. Marines and is also the official home of the Toys for Tots program? If you guessed the Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES), you are spot on! To be exact, that would be MARFORRES’s Bravo Company of the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion. As the reserve force of the United States Marine Corps, MARFORRES units train and are ready to be mobilized for active duty in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations. MARFORRES is the largest command—by assigned personnel—in the U.S. Marine Corps. Bravo Company’s mission, when deployed, is to transport Marine amphibious fighting forces and their equipment from naval warships offshore to the beach and onto inland objectives. To do this, the Bravo Company Marines train to operate and drive the Assault Amphibious Vehicle AAV-P7/ A1, also known as “AAVs” or “amtracs,” a shortening of their original designation as an “amphibious tractor.” Part sea-going troop transport and part armoured tracked vehicle, the AAVs can carry a crew of three or four and up to 25 combat equipped Marines over the sea and to the shore. The AAV armament options are heavy machine guns and a grenade launcher. The AAV can also be configured to be a protected and mobile battlefield command and control vehicle or a battlefield “wrecker” to remove or repair damaged AAVs. You may be wondering how the Toys for Tots Program and the Marine Reserve Force are connected. In 1947, Marine Reservist Major Bill Hendricks founded the program to bring joy and hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy at Christmas. The program became so impactful that in 1995 the Secretary of Defense recognized Toys for Tots as an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve. Since 1947, Toys for Tots has distributed 548 million toys and served 265 million children. Locally, 8,487 toys were distributed to 7,265 children in 2019. The MARFORRES’s 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion - Bravo Company is not just here to protect our freedoms; they truly do serve The Liberty Coast. If you would like to learn more, visit marforres.marines.mil and search “4th MarDiv.” 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion is under the “Subordinate Units” tab on the right. This is one in a series about the military bases, units and commands along The Liberty Coast. For previous snapshots, visit LibertyLifeMedia.Com/Archive.
World Suicide Prevention Day
Veterans Share Their Battles with PTSD to Bring Awareness
Contributed by K9s for Warriors Edited by Liberty Life Staff
An estimated 20 Veterans take their life every day. This is only one of the staggering statistics that has led to World Suicide Prevention Day—held every year on September 10—to promote worldwide action to prevent suicide. Since 2011, K9s For Warriors’ mission has been to end Veteran suicide, as the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to military Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and/or military sexual trauma. The program has a 99 percent success rate, which is one of the highest suicide prevention rates of any organization fighting to mitigate suicidal ideations. Each Warrior that graduates from the K9s For Warriors program has a unique story about the traumatic experience that led them to reach out for help. K9s For Warriors has gathered three graduates of the program to discuss their stories and experience throughout this life-changing program, and the achievements they have accomplished since graduating with their battle buddy. Becca & Bobbi of Clearwater, Fla. (Aug. 2018 Graduates) “Before Bobbi, I had persistent suicidal thoughts. Because I was an addict, I secretly hoped it would just finish me off. Now, through Bobbi, I have found myself again and have celebrated two years of sobriety. I look forward to a long and happy life with Bobbi by my side.” Will & Rio of Brick, N.J. (May 2018 Graduates) “Before Rio, I was a cold and empty shell, but he taught me how to feel and love again. I still fight my battles and face my demons, but now I face them head on. Because of Rio, I no longer have suicidal thoughts; they are now only diminished to a memory.” Jodie & Donna of Pasadena, Texas (Oct. 2019 Graduates) “Donna has saved me from suicidal thoughts by being there for me when I would otherwise be alone, which is when I struggle the most with my PTSD and depression. In those times, Donna knows exactly how to get me to refocus my attention on her and calm down. Her unconditional love reminds me daily that the struggle is worth it.” If you are interested in learning more about our Warrior-K9 graduate teams and would like to schedule an interview with one of these brave Warriors, contact Lindsey Ruth at (904) 510-0220. Find more information at K9sForWarriors.org LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 5
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Liberty Feature
THE FIRE WATCH
Ending Veteran Suicide In Northeast Florida
by Nick Howland
O
n June 9, 2017, retired Navy Chief Chad Mulder—a decorated SEAL—died by suicide in Boerne, Texas as a result of serviceconnected wounds. Mulder was a highly decorated combat Veteran with three Bronze Stars with Valor. Mulder was survived by his wife and children. Unfortunately, this story—while heartbreaking—is all too familiar. Over 6,000 U.S. Veterans die by suicide each year, including more than 500 in Florida. The suicide rate among Veterans is 1.5 times higher than that of non-Veterans, and the highest rate among Veterans is in the age group 18 to 34. This is also the largest age demographic separating from active duty service every year. As a nation, we have known about this tragedy for years. Indeed, the Department of Veterans Affairs has invested significantly in mental health treatment for Veterans. Despite these efforts, Veteran suicide continues to rise. As a community, Northeast Florida has had enough. Our region is home to over 1,500,000 residents and 150,000 U.S. military Veterans. We are stepping off the side lines to end this catastrophe once and for all. The Fire Watch was formed in November 2019 by Baker, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns and Duval Counties to lead regional efforts to end Veteran suicide. It was founded on the belief that the solution to ending Veteran suicide is communitybased. Specifically, the more our community can direct Veterans to the help they need BEFORE they fall into crisis, the lower we can drive Veteran suicide in our community. The Fire Watch is implementing two categories of programs: Coordination and Outreach. The Coordination programs focus on working with hospitals, First Responders, houses of worship, and local governments to identify and close weaknesses in crisis care services available to Veterans. As an example, at the request of one local police department, The Fire Watch created 3,000 wallet cards for First Responders that summarize how to best direct Veterans in crisis to the resources available to them. The Fire Watch has also hosted webinars for Faith Leaders on how to deal with vulnerable Veterans during COVID and represents the region in a State of Florida Veteran suicide task force. The Outreach programs will focus on our Veterans and the larger community. Essentially, The Fire Watch is mobilizing Northeast Florida residents to get personally involved in watching out for our Veterans. The cornerstone Outreach initiative—the Watch Stander program—was launched on May 1 and is an on-line and in-person, early intervention peer network of Veterans and civilian
volunteers trained to identify risk factors of Veterans in crisis and to direct those Veterans to the resources they need. Anyone can volunteer to be a Watch Stander. Required training includes a commitment to watch a selection of videos and to take a pledge to “stand watch” for Veterans. Registration and training take 45 minutes. Watch Standers are then asked to get involved in the community—whether on social media, in networking groups, or, if feasible, in person—to be vigilant to the concerns of Veterans and to save lives. Think of it a little bit like learning CPR. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 45% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survived when early intervention “by-stander” CPR was administered before the victim arrived at the emergency room. The same applies here.
The steps to become a Watch Stander are: 1. Go to www.thefirewatch.org or download The Fire Watch app on iOS or Android 2. Click on Watch Standers 3. Complete the steps assigned 4. Sign the pledge to become a Watch Stander 5. Attend three Veteran events each year 6. Be vigilant and SAVE lives
The goal is to build a network of 10,000 Watch Standers in Northeast Florida by the end of 2021. “The Watch Stander program will be a true milestone in the fight against Veteran suicide,” said Nick Howland, Executive Director of The Fire Watch. “To our knowledge, there is no program like it anywhere in the nation. We have over 150,000 Veterans here in Northeast Florida. They are family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Like Chief Mulder, they are heroes who have written blank checks—for an amount up to and including their lives—to protect our community. The least our community can do is work together to protect them.” Look for more innovative, community-based programming from The Fire Watch over the next year. The mission is simple—end Veteran suicide in Northeast Florida. For more information, visit www.thefirewatch.org or download the mobile app on iOS or Android. LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 5
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LIBERTY VOICES: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Bill Green Manager
We are open for business and here to serve you forv all of your insurance needs!
904-717-1176 Health - Cancer Plans - Medicare - Seniors - Dental - Life Insurance
Conducting our daily lives from home has quickly become the new norm in the age of COVID-19. That truth is no different for the staff of Liberty Life Media. In previous times, we may have met regularly in an office building. Instead, we were born during a pandemic, and like everyone else, we’ve had to adjust accordingly.
Are you a writer? Do you want to share your stories about the military, Veterans, and families on The Liberty Coast?
Our team is steadily moving forward. In fact, this is our first print issue—a major milestone for us! Our previous issues are digital and can be found at LibertyLifeMedia.com/Archives. Seeing our issue in print makes the mission feel even more real and exciting. Quarantining as the new norm has affected just about every facet of our lives, not just our work. Before coronavirus, we filled our nights and weekends with events that kept us engaged and on the move. Many of those events have either been cancelled or have gone virtual.
Email your pitches for an opportunity to build your portfolio and join our growing team! Submissions@LibertyLifeMedia.com
One such event is honoring those fallen during the attacks of September 11, 2001. While we may not be able to commemorate them in person, we can still give voice to their stories and what this tragic event meant for our country and our families. Taking a moment of silence or having a conversation about 9/11 with a loved one goes a long way toward ensuring we never forget.
Welcome to NE Florida! PCS move from out of state?
JD Long, MRP, CNE REALTOR / Sales Associate (904) 583-3077
Steve Sechler Broker / Owner (904) 334-3985
Speak with our Veteran Realtors today! Full Service Residential Sales & Property Management
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Timothy Seise, MBA, GRI, MRP REALTOR / Broker Associate (904) 703-8917 Cell
Thinking about your career after the military? Please contact me for a step by step guide to a fulfilling career in real estate.
Staying home as often as we now do has many consequences. Some are positive, like being able to spend more quality time with our families or being able to partake in a favorite hobby. Some effects, however, are not so good; self-quarantine can be very isolating, exacerbating the loneliness already felt by many pre-pandemic. This is particularly true for Veterans. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. With Veterans experiencing a higher rate of suicide than the general population, this has become an essential topic of discussion. As compared to their civilian counterparts, female Veterans commit suicide at a rate 2.2 times higher and male Veterans commit suicide at a rate 1.3 times higher. The impacts of COVID-19 are expected to increase the already disproportionate number of Veteran suicides. As projected by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute in a June 2020 report, “every five percentage point increase in unemployment among Veterans during the COVID recession per year could result in more than 550 additional Veteran suicides.” That is a sobering projection. In this issue, we share several Veteran suicide prevention resources headquartered on The Liberty Coast, such as The Fire Watch, whose goal is to end Veteran suicide in Northeast Florida. We also feature three success stories from K9s for Warriors, who provide highly skilled service dogs with the ultimate goal of preventing Veteran suicide. Prevention is a responsibility we all share. Everyone who knows a Veteran plays a role in preventing suicide. While we reflect on 9/11 and suicide prevention this week, there are also bright spots that offer us grace and a reminder that life is a journey, each day presenting a new opportunity. I hope you’ll join us on the journey ahead, as we continue to share the news and stories of life on The Liberty Coast.
On Base • In Town • Pro-Military.
8382 Baymeadows Rd. #5, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Main (904) 288-9293 hometownjax.com
08 | LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 5
Stephanie Thompson U. S. Navy Mustang Veteran Editor I Liberty Life Media
News Briefs SECNAV Visits Naval Station Mayport, Fla.
Photos: U.S. Navy photo by Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) James Clifford /Released
NAVAL STATION MAYPORT (Aug. 11, 2020) Sideboys render honors as the Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite proceeds to the quarterdeck of the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11). Braithwaite toured the Littoral Combat Ship Training Facility, USS Sioux City (LCS 11) and USS Carney (DDG 64) during his visit to Naval Station Mayport. Braithwaite visited Naval bases in Georgia and Florida during his two-day trip, where he met with Sailors, Marines and civilians and viewed surface, subsurface and aviation assets.
Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade Applications Close Sept. 13 Participant applications are now open for the 2020 Veterans Day Parade presented by the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. Join the City of Jacksonville on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. and honor American heroes — our Veterans and active-duty Photo Credit: U.S. Navy military. The Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade is considered one of the largest in the nation and will have special energy this year given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This patriotic parade features more than 4,000 participants, including grand marshals, senior military officials, active-duty and retired military, Veterans groups, local high school marching bands, decorative floats, giant balloons, ArmedForcesMedia.mil JROTC units and more! Participant applications are now open for Duval County public high schools, private or non-Duval County public schools, stateregistered nonprofit organizations, social groups and individuals, and City of Jacksonville employees. Applications close September 13 at midnight. The parade route and application can be found at specialevents.coj.net; search Veterans Day Parade.
Tell us what you think! Send a letter to the editor about your thoughts on what you’ve read here to Editor@LibertyLifeMedia.com.
Future Mayport-based USS MinneapolisSaint Paul (LCS 21) Completes Sea Trails The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) reported the future USS MinneapolisSaint Paul (LCS 21) successfully completed its acceptance trial Aug. 21 after completing a series of graded, in-port and underway demonstrations on the Great Lakes for the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey. Sea trails are a series of comprehensive tests all ships go through to demonstrate the performance of the propulsion plant, ship handling and auxiliary systems. The ship is projected to be homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Florida in the Spring of 2021. The ship is one of the Navy’s new Freedom-variant littoral combat ships (LCS). LCS is a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine and surface warfare missions. The Freedom-variant LCS integrates new technology and capability to affordably support current and future missions from deep water to the littorals.
Navy Care: Real Time, Virtual Medical Visits Navy Care offers an innovative way for patients to see their doctor without actually visiting the hospital or clinic. Navy Care enables patients to have a live, virtual visit with a clinician from anywhere. Using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, active duty, Photo By Jacob Sippel families, and retirees with a primary care manager at NH Jacksonville (or its branch health clinics in Jacksonville, Kings Bay, or Mayport) can enroll. Patients can make a Navy Care appointment by calling their clinic’s appointment line. Or, patients can virtually “walk-in” to Navy Care On Demand, by visiting the website or app (on weekdays during business hours), and selecting a waiting room.
Coast Guard rescues two men from St Mary’s Inlet JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Coast Guard rescued two men after their fishing vessel ran aground in St Mary’s Inlet. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville watchstanders received notification via phone at approximately Courtesy Photo U.S. Coast Guard District 7 12:15 a.m. from the daughter of PADET Jacksonville one of the men aboard the 50-foot fishing vessel, stating that it ran aground. A Coast Guard Air Station Savannah MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene and hoisted the two men to safety. They were transported to Fernandina Municipal Airport where local EMS and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office were standing by. This was an extremely challenging rescue due to a dangerous nighttime environment. No injuries were reported. LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 5
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Living the Liberty Life is a Team Sport. Here’s Your Playbook.
Here is where Liberty Life can be found on The Liberty Coast.
IN TOWN
ON BASE
American Legion 373 American Legion 233 American Legion 316 American Legion 129 American Legion 244 American Legion 283 American Legion 194 American Legion 137 American Legion 197 American Legion 250 American Legion 372 American Legion 54 American Legion 88 American Legion 9 American Legion 202
Camp Blanding Joint Training Base Florida Army National Guard HQ Cecil Commerce Center & Airport Naval Air Station Jacksonville Customs and Border Patrol Services Jacksonville National Guard Armory Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville Air National Guard Base U. S. Coast Guard Station Jacksonville Naval Station Mayport U.S. Marine Corps Blount Island Command Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
Military Veterans Resource Centers Jacksonville University University of North Florida Florida State College Jacksonville Edward Waters College Veterans United Brewery Tabula Rasa Brewing Social Grounds Coffee House Caliber Collision Navy Federal Credit Union Lillians Sports Bar & Grill Larry’s Giant Subs Urban Bean Coffeehouse & Cafe
American Legion 314 American Legion 401 Veterans of Foreign Wars 3270 Veterans of Foreign Wars 1689 Veterans of Foreign Wars 7909 Veterans of Foreign Wars 5968 Veterans of Foreign Wars 4351 Veterans of Foreign Wars 837 Veterans of Foreign Wars1988 Veterans of Foreign Wars 10095 Veterans of Foreign Wars 2391 Veterans of Foreign Wars 9560 Disabled American Veterans 470 Fleet Reserve Association 290 Fleet Reserve Association 91
Recruiting Offices U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy U.S. Air Force U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Service Offices Camden County Nassau County Baker County Duval County Clay County St Johns County VA Facilities
PRO-MILITARY
United Service Organizations (USO) Naval Air Station Jacksonville Naval Station Mayport Jacksonville International Airport Hangar Bay Cafe Island Girl Smoke Shops Singletons Seafood Shak Red Moose Restaurant St Marys Seafood Restaurants REMAX St Marys Captain Seagles Saloon J’s Tavern & The House Captain Stan’s Smokehouse
For Advertising rates and Dates or Distribution Call Joe Snowberger 904.476.7861 Or Publisher@LibertyLifeMedia.Com 10 | LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 5
Liberty Resources
Suicide Prevention and Behavorial Health Resources
Suicide is a national public health issue that affects all Americans, including military and Veterans. As September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Liberty Life is sharing some of the resources and information available on The Liberty Coast to support sucide prevention and overall better behaviorial and mental health. The health and well-being of our Servicemembers and Veterans is our highest priority.
Liberty Never Tasted So Good
Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 Or call 9-1-1
Veteran Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. (800) 273-8255, press 1. Text to 838255, or talk online with a confidential Veterans chat at veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat. For more information, visit mentalhealth.va.gov.
When to call the Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans and Servicemembers in crisis don’t have to face it alone. If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, having thoughts of suicide, or becoming selfdestructive, there are responders ready to help. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line immediately for assistance. Supporting a loved one through a crisis can feel overwhelming, but responders at the Veterans Crisis Line can help. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line immediately if the Veteran or Servicemember in your life is showing signs of crisis, such as:
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9551 Baymeadows Rd. suite #21-23 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Phone: (904) 503-3008 www.athenianowljaxfl.com
•Talking about feeling hopeless •Experiencing anxiety or agitation •Increasing risky behaviors or substance use
Jacksonville Vet Center
We provide a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services for Veterans, active-duty Servicemembers, Guard and Reservists, and families who have earned this no-cost benefit through their service in combat zones. 3728 Phillips Highway, Ste 31; Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-399-8351; After hours, weekends, and holidays call: 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387); vetcenter.va.gov
Florida Veterans Support Line
1-844-MyFLVet is a toll free number that Veterans and their loved one’s can call 24/7 for emotional support and information pertaining to community resources. 1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838) or 2-1-1
National Veterans Foundation Lifeline for Vets
At Liberty Life, we want to showcase your artistic talent, sharp wit and intelligent commentary. We encourage you to express your view of life on The Liberty Coast through animated pictures and cartoons. Submit your cartoons for publication consideration to
To serve the crisis management, information and referral needs of all U.S. Veterans and their families through management and operation of the nation’s first Vet-to-Vet toll-free helpline for all Veterans and their families. Call 888-777-4443 nvf.org/about-national-veterans-foundation
LibertyLifeMedia.Com/Submissions.
United Way 2-1-1
(the size they will appear in print).
United Way coordinates existing services and provides additional resources to make it easier for Veterans, active-duty Servicemembers, and their families to get the help they need when they need it. To reach a counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Dial 211 or 904-632-0600. unitedwaynefl.org/get-help
10 Can
Our mission is designed for warriors - by warriors. We have discovered a cure for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the formula for suicide prevention, and a pathway to happiness. We foster camaraderie through outdoor adventures, bridge the gap between warriors and the Church, and build communities through service projects and public speaking engagements. Call 877-461-0226. 10canoutdoors.com
Submissions should be approximately 2.25 x 6.25 inches or 3 x 4.5 inches We are also accepting art and photos for publication. Individual or team contributions welcome. Cartoons should be uplifting, true-to-life humor or witty, intelligent and real without being mean or judgemental. Like the old days! LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 5
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The Liberty Coast (SM)
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay 10 USS Benjamin Franklin Dr St Marys, GA 31547
Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island (BIC) 5880 Channel View Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32226
Naval Station Mayport 3000 Mayport Road Jacksonville, FL 32228
Jacksonville Air National Guard Base 14300 Fang Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32218
Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville 4200 Ocean Street Atlantic Beach, FL., 32233
Naval Air Station Jacksonville 10 Yorktown Ave Jacksonville, FL 32212
Camp Blanding Joint Training Center 629 FL-16 W Starke, FL 32091
Florida National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters 82 Marine Street, St Augustine, FL 32084
The Liberty Coast (SM) is home to one of the nation’s
largest communities of military Servicemembers, Veterans, DOD personnel, and their families. Serving on 7 military installations and numerous commands in Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida that represent 6 branches of the U. S. military, this estimated population of 350,000 are living the Liberty Life across Camden, Nassau, Duval, Baker, Clay and St. Johns County.
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Liberty Calendar In Town/Online
9/11 MEMORIAL VIRTUAL RUN/WALK This annual event gives us the opportunity to remember those who lost their lives on this day 19 years ago and those who are still affected. Price includes a race bib and a finisher medal upon completing the 9.11 miles. Participants can choose one of two organizations to benefit from this event—National Fallen Firefighters Foundation or Tuesday’s Children—during registration. August 23-October 3, TheVirtualRunChallenge.com/Virtual-Run-Events $27-$37. AMERICAN RED CROSS OPEN HOUSE The American Red Cross of North Florida invites you to learn about the numerous ways you can help in your local community. Volunteers perform critical services, education, logistics, event planning and more. Please register at least 24 hours in advance. 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, Eventbrite. com, Search American Red Cross North Florida Region, free. MONDAY GROUNDING MEDITATION Find centering, peace and calm in your day by joining Charity, a Navy Veteran and owner of Yoga Nook Northside, for meditation at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14, Facebook.com/JAXUSO, free.
Veterans and Their Families JACKSONVILLE VETERANS DAY PARADE DEADLINE This annual parade through Downtown Jacksonville features more than 4,000 participants, ranging from JROTC units to grand marshals, Veteranserving organizations, and more. The deadline to participate in the November 11 parade is midnight, Sunday, Sept. 13. Apply online at SpecialEvents.CoJ.net/Special-Events/Veterans-Day-Parade.aspx.
Naval Station Mayport COMMUNITY CRAFTERS CONTEST MWR Mayport invites you to explore and share your creative side for a chance to be featured in its DIY Saturday Facebook series. Your task: film a two-minute video on how to create a craft of your choice. The cost of all supplies must total no more than $20 per craft. Submit your videos to the Facebook page for your chance to win. Must be 13 or older to participate. Deadline is Saturday, Sept. 12, Facebook.com/MWRMayport, free. 2020 BASE CHAMPIONSHIP Sport the golf game you’ve been working up since March in this 36-hole stroke play championship. Cost includes golf range, awards and prize fund. Ladies will play from red tees, men from green, and players 65 and older from white. Deadline to register is Monday, Sept. 14; event is 8:30 a.m. Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 19 & 20, Windy Harbor Golf Club, 1981 Main St., Naval Station Mayport, NavyMWRMayport.com/Events, $125, must have base access.
Naval Air Station Jacksonville DIY: CANVAS THREAD ART Canvases are more versatile than you might think. Put down the paint brush and pick up a needle: this craft kit will walk you through the ins and outs of embroidering on canvas. This is a self-guided event. Register in person or over the phone at least 24 hours in advance. Tuesday, Sept. 15, Community Recreation Office, Birmingham Avenue, Bldg. 622, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Facebook.com/ NASJaxMWR, 904-542-3227, $5, must have base access.
PATRIOT DAY We will never forget by Stephanie Thompson
S
eptember 11, 2001, is a day known infamously around the world as simply “9/11.” Every person in the United States who was old
enough to remember knows exactly what they were doing the moment the twin towers crashed down into New York City’s streets. In New York City, at the Pentagon, and in a field in Pennsylvania, 2,977 people lost their lives that day. Many others have died in the aftermath: from those who inhaled toxic substances in the dust cloud left by the fallen towers to the men and women who sacrificed their lives overseas in the fight against terrorism. Patriot Day—the annual day of remembrance for those killed in the September 11 attacks—is usually full of events to bring people together to commemorate the lives of the victims. However, with COVID-19 still raging across the country, many of those events have been cancelled or moved online. The iconic Tribute in Light event at ground zero was nearly cancelled this year due to fears regarding the safety of the crew during the pandemic. In response to the initial announcement of cancellation, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York tweeted that the state “will provide health personnel and supervision so the [9/11 Memorial and Museum] can mount the Tribute in Light safely.” Though New York will be able to have a crowd this year, many other cities—including Jacksonville—do not have the capacity to support such an event. While we may not be able to come together this year as we have in the past, we can still honor the men, women and children whose lives were so abruptly taken. We can sit with our families and bow our heads for a moment of silence. We can ask a loved one or a friend to tell us their story of September 11. We can share our own stories. We can tell our children about what happened that day—what it meant for our country, our society, and for us as individuals—what it means even today. We will never forget. LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 5
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