LIBERTY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 23 2020 / Volume 1 / Issue 7

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SEPTEMBER 23, 2020/Volume 1/Issue 7 LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM

Supporting the Military, Veterans, and their Families across The Liberty Coast

On Base • In Town • Pro-Military

GOLD GOLD STAR STAR MOTHER’S MOTHER’S AND AND FAMILY FAMILY DAY DAY

Honoring Honoring the the Fallen Fallen and and their their Families Families

VFW Scholarships & Teacher Awards

02 | LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 7

LIBERTY VOICES: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR I remember how proud my parents were the day I joined the Navy. In fact, they were part of the experience, as I was only 17, and the process required written parental consent. They were thrilled for me and undoubtedly relieved that my foreseeable future was secure.

Fortunately, my choices led me here, to Liberty Life Media. I cannot imagine what my parents might have gone through had the story progressed differently, in a way that didn’t allow for an alternate ending. Would they still have been filled with pride that I served my country? Or would they have taken it back and wished I had pursued another passion—something that allowed me to come home every night?

For countless families, the story of their loved one serving in the military did end. For good.

No two families experience this devastating loss in the same way. Some remain proud of their Servicemember, despite the ache brought on by the loss of life. Others regret the day their loved one signed those contract papers, never fathoming it would end like this. Some feel a mixture of these emotions—among many more—perhaps teetering back and forth between them.

One thing, however, is certain: these families paid the ultimate price and deserve our understanding, respect and support for their loss.

The last Sunday in September was designated Gold Star Mother’s Day in 1936. But, when a Servicemember dies, it is not only Mothers that suffer that loss. For this reason, in 2011 the designation was amended to “Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.” This year, we will honor Gold Star Families on September 27. COVID-19 has changed the way we do this, but the “how” is much less important than the “why.” We can still take the time to visit military memorials or Veteran cemeteries and pay our respects. We can read articles about the local fallen or listen to speeches by impacted family members. For those of us sharing our stories on social media, we can use #GoldStarMothersDay. On The Liberty Coast, we have two unique ways that we honor our Gold Star Families. One is the Honor and Remember Flag, which is flown on eight occasions, including Veterans Day, Gold Star Mother’s Day, and a day on which a member of the United States Armed Forces who is a resident of Florida or Georgia loses his or her life.

The second is the Gold Star Family commemorative license plate, which is designed to honor the families of those killed in service during peacetime, an act of war, or conflict. Surviving spouses, parents or guardians, siblings, or children may apply for a Gold Star Family license plate. In Florida, this is also available to surviving grandparents.

Liberty Life

SEPTEMBER 23 2020//VOL.1 ISSUE 7

CONTENTS

Cover Photo Credit:

Original watercolor by Cris Flagg, FASLA.

2 5

6

6 7

The Liberty Coast Constitution and Citizenship Liberty Coast: Gold Star Families Parkway Resources for Gold Star Families

Feature:

Gold Star Families Memorial Monument

9 Liberty Calendar 11 Florida Fallen Heroes

13 News Briefs 15 VFW Scholarships and Teacher Awards

Support Liberty Life Media

LIBERTY LIFE MEDIA IS EXPANDING THEIR SALES STAFF • Are Looking for New Opportunities?

• Do you want to work at home?

• Are you or your spouse in the Military?

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Then Liberty Life Media On September 27, please take a moment and honor our nation’s Gold Star Families in a way that is authentic to you. While we can’t bring our fallen Servicemembers back, we can absolutely express our respect for their sacrifice and our gratitude for the choices their service affords us.

On Base • In Town • Pro-Military.

Stephanie Thompson U. S. Navy Mustang Veteran Editor I Liberty Life Media

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For more Information Call

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Celebrating the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution

VETERAN-LED:

A

s we close out Constitution Week—held September 17-23, annually— let us take this final moment to commemorate Constitution Day. Constitution Day is about celebrating the United States and laying the foundation for governing as an independent country. We do this by reading our founding document, learning about its contents, attending parades, and participating in other activities. The Constitution isn’t the only thing that we commemorate on this day, however.

In 1940, “I Am an American Day” was declared a celebratory day in May for those who had recently attained citizenship status. The date and name were changed in 1952, when Congress decided this observance should coincide with the signing of the U.S. Constitution: September 17, 1787. The name became “Citizenship Day.” To make the connection to the Constitution more clear, the designation was changed to Constitution Day and Citizenship Day in 2004.

Find the Constitution at Archives.gov under the Founding Docs section.

Lifelong dream comes true for NAS Jax Sailor: U.S. citizenship

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 Staff Writer Matthew Snowberger, U.S. Army Veteran 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 Graphic Design Susan Jones U.S. Army Veteran Spouse 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

www.LibertyLifeMedia.Com Photo obtained from Twitter @LeahShieldsNews

A

ugust 20 was a day of fulfilled dreams for SN Olga Kozak, a Ukrainian-born U.S. Navy Sailor stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. That was the day she became a U.S. citizen.

Kozak came to the U.S. in 2013 via a raffle-type system in her home country. As reported by JAX Air News, Olga said, “It was one of the happiest days of my life. It’s sort of like a lottery—you fill out an application, and a computer picks a few names out of thousands of applicants, and somehow I won.”

Kozak would like others to remember that the people who immigrate to the U.S. are just like all the people we know: they are doing what they believe will make a better life for themselves and their families. For those still wanting to become U.S. citizens, Kozak admits it takes time, but the reward is worth the wait.

Please share and recycle issues.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

31 5th Street, Atlantic Beach, Fl 32233-5307 Copyright © Signals Publishing, Inc 2020 President•Sam Taylor•Sam@LibertyLifeMedia.Com LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 7

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Liberty Coast

Gold Star Families Memorial Parkway New access road to open in 2021

It has been more than ten years since a group from Northeast Florida went to Washington, D.C., advocating for a new accessparkway. The Veterans Action Team consisted of members of the Support Committee at the Jacksonville National Cemetery (JNC) along with the Rotary Club of North Jacksonville, other Northeast Florida Rotarians, Veterans organizations, civic leaders, and various governmental agencies.

These groups are the driving force behind the construction of the new 3.4-mile two-lane parkway system that will connect the JNC to the I-95 and Pecan Park Road interchange. This $12.8 million North Jacksonville Parkway system is expected to be completed during summer 2021.

The JNC honors all Veterans and their families, especially the Gold Star Families whose beloved Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines gave their lives defending our nation. This parkway is being constructed to accommodate the families and the friends of our fallen heroes.

Contributed by the Support Committee at Jacksonville National Cemetery Edited by Liberty Life Staff

Resources Gold Star Family Resources Losing a loved one is devastating and can be one of the most difficult experiences a survivor might face, especially when that loss is unexpected.

Liberty Life honors those families of United States Servicemembers who were killed or died while serving our nation. Below, we share resources for surviving family members to get the support they need and to know that they are not in this alone.

Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Our Fallen Soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Their families deserve our respect, gratitude, and the very best we can provide. If you’re a surviving family member, Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) offers you access to support, information, and services closest to where you live, when you need it, and for as long as you need it. ArmyMWR.com/Programs-and-Services/PersonalAssistance/Survivor-Outreach. On The Liberty Coast, contact: Keith Ham, Army Survivor’s Outreach Services at 904.472.7689 or Keith.e.ham.ctr@mail.mil.

Jamie Banther, Navy Gold Star Family Services (& USMC) at 904.542.5706 or jamie.banther@navy.mil.

Navy Gold Star Program Navy Gold Star is an inclusive program—regardless of your loved one’s military branch, location, or manner of death. Our commitment to you is that regardless of the branch of service, we will provide you with support and help you locate your branch’s survivor services. Navy Gold Star support coordinators provide dedicated outreach and support when, and for as long as, you desire.

Our coordinators are located throughout the United States and are ready to help you in any way they can. NavyGoldStar.com

American Gold Star Mothers Our mission is finding strength in the fellowship of other Gold Star Mothers who strive to keep the memory of our sons and daughters alive by working to help Veterans, those currently serving in the military, their families, and our communities. GoldStarMoms.com

Gold Star Fathers of Florida We support Florida fathers of Servicemen and women killed while actively serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and never refuse support to any Gold Star father, regardless of the state he resides in. Additional support will also be offered to the mothers and siblings of said Servicemembers.

GoldStarFathersOfFlorida.org

Tell us what you think!

Send a letter to the editor about your thoughts on what you’ve read here to Editor@LibertyLifeMedia.com.

06 | LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 7

Gold Star Awareness We provide emotional, peer, and resource support to Gold Star Families and share the significance of the Gold Star Lapel and the Next of Kin Pin and the families who proudly, yet humbly, wear them. GoldStarAwareness.com

Gold Star Wives We work to preserve and enhance benefits to surviving Gold Star military spouses and their children, to help them face the future with courage and determination, and to honor the memory of their military spouses who made the ultimate sacrifice. GoldStarWives.org

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Learn about all the resources available to Gold Star Families in Florida. The resources range from organizations offering services to specialty license plates and recent legislation to local monuments. FloridaVets.org/Our-Veterans/ Gold-Star-Families

Liberty Feature

HONORING GOLD STAR FAMILIES Plans for a new monument and garden commence

By Stephanie Thompson

I

n the September 16 issue of Liberty Life, we talked about Cecil Field POW/MIA Memorial Inc.’s plans to build the future National POW/MIA Museum & Memorial. It is an ambitious project with numerous elements to consider. One local woman was encouraged by the significance of the concept to see if she might be able to add one more detail to the already expansive project.

Lynn Vernon, a member of the Garden Club of Fleming Island, proposed the 14 garden clubs in District IV unite to fund a Gold Star Families monument for the future POW/MIA Memorial & Museum.

“I had to sell her on it,” Vernon said of Joy Elrod, District IV director of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. “It took me a good 10 seconds. She called a meeting and got most District IV presidents together. I thought they would have to take it back to their clubs…it all happened in 20 minutes.

‘Yes, we will fund it. Yes, we will back you.’”

She then reached out to Mike Cassata, executive director of the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum effort, and asked him if he would ask the decision makers whether they would consider allowing the garden clubs to place a Gold Star Families monument at the site of their project. Cassata took the question to the Memorial & Museum committee. Not only did they grant permission, but they also expanded the project to include the monument placement on the grounds of the Chapel of the High-Speed Pass.

Vernon now chairs the effort to make the Gold Star Families Memorial Garden a reality, and she is joined by special committee members Joy Elrod, Kalia Baillene, and Jackie Host. Vernon was blown away by the positive response.

“I just asked to put a seven-and-a-half-foot metal monument out there; I had no idea it would grow to the size of the vision Mike and others have

for the Gold Star Families Memorial Garden,” Vernon said. “It went from a single monument to a whole landscaped garden.”

For those not familiar with the term “Gold Star Family,” it includes surviving family members of those who lost their lives while serving our nation.

The Gold Star Families Monument holds special meaning for Vernon, whose father was killed in a B-52 crash in 1956. She did not realize until she was an adult that her family was considered a Gold Star Family.

“I never thought of myself as a Gold Star Child. I thought to be a Gold Star Family that a person had to be killed in a combat situation,” Vernon said. “It turns out, it’s not that at all. It’s just losing your life while in the service.”

We all have pivotal moments in life; moments that either change our direction or provide us with clarity and a defined purpose. For Vernon, one such event was the 2018 Run For The Wall (RFTW) motorcycle ride from California to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Looking back on that experience, Vernon says, “There are no coincidences in life. That ride was life-changing for me.”

At one particular lunch stop, of the Photo Credit: Lynn Vernon 500+ participating bikers, Vernon and her husband sat across the table from a chaplain who was responsible for meeting Gold Star Families all along the route. Vernon’s husband Rich—a retired Navy senior chief and Vietnam Veteran—told the chaplain that Vernon didn’t think she was part of a Gold Star Family, despite her dad having been killed on active duty. The chaplain responded, “Of course you are.”

Just weeks prior to that cross-country trip, during the planning of the Blue Star Monument on Fleming Island, Vernon realized there weren’t any Gold Star Family monuments in Northeast Florida. She was determined to change that. Soon after that decision, she made a connection that spoke directly to her vision.

“When I found out that Mary Helen Hoff was an Orange Park resident, I flipped out,” Vernon said. “This amazing woman lived so close to me for so many years, and I so wished I could have met her.”

She was inspired to do something to honor Hoff, the creator of the POW/ MIA flag, and other families like hers. “It gave me the opportunity to meet her sons. I told them that one of these days we would have a Gold Star Family monument out here,” Vernon said.

That day is here. The dedication for the Gold Star Families Monument was going to take place during the annual Gathering in the Pines event, but COVID-19 derailed that plan. The hope is that the dedication can be held the first week in April 2021 for the Gold Star Families, District IV garden clubs, POW/MIA committee members, donors, and others interested.

Vernon is grateful for Elrod and the District IV garden clubs. She said, “It’s only through National Garden Clubs Inc. that the Blue and Gold Star Monument program even exists.”

Prosser Inc. has generously designed the environment for the monument, and the goal is to finalize it by the end of this year.

As one can imagine, it requires considerable funding to complete this sacred project. Sponsorship opportunities and commemorative bricks are available, and donations are sincerely appreciated. Contact Vernon at RV2370@Bellsouth.net, or by phone at (904) 269-3233, for more information or to donate.

LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 7

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Have you Heard of the Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey?

Blue Star Families’ survey empowers service members, veterans, National Guard, Reserve, and their families by collecting insights, analyzing trends, and communicating the unique challenges of military life to influencers who are responsible for driving change in our nation.

The 2020 Military Family Lifestyle Survey is now open until October 16th! Take it at bluestarfam.org/survey.

If we don’t have what you are looking for, we will find it for you.

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Share YOUR story 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:

•Stories and News

•Events and Activities •Photos/Art/Cartoons

•Special Offers Visit LibertyLifeMedia.com/Community and register: •Military Servicemember and Veteran-Owned Businesses (M/VOB) •Resources and Services for the military, Veterans, and

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Military units and Veteran organizations: add us to your trusted media list.

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.

08 | LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 7

Liberty Calendar Veterans and Their Families FOURTH ANNUAL VETERANS CUP This clay shooting tournament allows Operation New Uniform’s donors, supporters and business partners the opportunity to network while benefiting the organization and the Veterans they serve. 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, Jacksonville Clay Target Sports, 12125 New Berlin Rd., Northside, ONUVets.org/Events, $150-$250.

CULTURAL COMPETENCY for OUR DIVERSE VETERAN POPULATION This presentation will focus on developing a context of understanding in regards to challenges Veterans face in relation to race, gender and sexual identity/orientation. Attendees must register to receive the link to the virtual session and earn 1.0 CE. 10-11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, Eventbrite.com, search “Cultural Competency for our Diverse Veteran Population,” free.

WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE & WHOLE HEALTH RESOURCES The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs closes out its Woman Veterans Series with this Facebook Live featuring Dr. Amanda Johnson, director of reproductive health for the VA’s Central Office, and Dr. Kavitha Reddy, associate director of employee health for the VHA. 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, Facebook.com/ VeteransAffairs, free.

CURRENT RESEARCH of SUICIDALITY Florida State University’s Thomas Joiner hosts the last event of the series designed to educate attendees on preventing Veteran suicide. The subject of this clinical discussion is the interpersonal-psychological theory. 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, BlueStarFam.org/Events, free.

VETERANS COUNCIL of ST. JOHNS MONTHLY MEETING All area Veterans, regardless of service branch, are encouraged to attend as the council resumes its monthly meetings at a new location. 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, St. Johns County Auditorium, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, VeteransCouncilSJC.org, free.

Naval Air Station Jacksonville RIVERFEST WEEK This annual event features instructional videos, water sports equipment rentals, and prize drawings for fishing gear, sailing equipment, and more. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Sunday, Sept. 28-Oct. 4, Mulberry Cove Marina, Ranger Street, Bldg. 1072, NAS Jacksonville, NavyMWRJacksonville.com, free, must have base access.

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay RUN FOR THE FALLEN 5K This is a virtual memorial run honoring those who have fallen during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Operation New Dawn. Race bibs will be emailed to participants after registration. The first 150 Servicemembers to register will receive a free commemorative tee-shirt. Saturday-Saturday, Sept. 19-26, NavyMWRKingsBay.com, free, must have base access.

Naval Station Mayport VIRTUAL PAINT NIGHT Join MWR Mayport for a relaxing evening of creating. This week’s painting? Think dragonflies. Price includes supplies, which participants can pick up at The Beacon. The Zoom link will be provided after registration. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, NavyMWRMayport.com/ Register, $25, must have base access.

MOVIE NIGHT at THE BEACON Remember to bring your face mask and arrive early; seating is limited to 25 patrons. “E.T.” plays at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept.

25, The Beacon, 245 Baltimore St., NS Mayport, NavyMWRMayport.com/ Events, free, must have base access.

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Commander In Chief Visits The Liberty Coast Cecil Air & Space Port | Thursday, Sept 24Th

President and Commander in Chief, Donald J. Trump is slated to visit The Liberty Coast at the Cecil Air & Space Port on Jacksonville’s Westside.

While the event is a campaign stop, the outside airport tarmac rally offers a unique opportunity to see the Commander in Chief of the United States armed forces.

7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 (Doors open 4 p.m.), Registration required at donaldjtrump.com/events. Cecil Air & Space Port, 13365 Simpson Way, Jacksonville, free.

Are you a writer? Do you want to share your stories about the military, Veterans, and families on The Liberty Coast?

Email your pitches for an opportunity to build your portfolio and join our growing team!

Submissions@LibertyLifeMedia.com

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Knowledge Is Power

Resources For Homeless & At-Risk Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) team up to provide this discussion on the CARES Act and its impact on Veterans and their families. Attendees are encouraged to prepare questions for the presenters and COVID-19 experts during this Facebook Live event.

3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, Facebook.com/VFWFans, free.

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Speak with our Veteran Realtors today!

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You Are Not Alone

Military Spouse Support Group

Thuydy Nguyen hosts this weekly class/group for spouses to discuss the ups and downs of military life and equip them with tools to tackle depression, marital stress, substance abuse and more. Attend in person or online.

1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, Integrative Counseling Services of Northeast Florida, 2301 Park Ave., Ste. 205, Orange Park, ICSNEFL.com/Groups, $50.

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Main (904) 288-9293 hometownjax.com

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Remembering our fallen at hometown high schools

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I

n a city known as a “Navy-town,” Navy Veteran Dave Seamans is a poster Jacksonville resident. Dave, a retired Sailor, joined the Navy in 1975 and served until 1995. He was trained as an administrative and clerical specialist, what the Navy calls a “Yeoman.”

As with most Veterans living on The Liberty Coast, the Navy is what brought Dave to Jacksonville. He wrangled duty assignments on each of the three naval installations in Duval County, serving on a warship stationed at Naval Station Mayport, an aviation squadron at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and at Naval Air Station Cecil Field.

Dave’s son, Timothy, also joined the military, becoming an Army infantryman with the 3rd Infantry Cavalry Division. While deployed to Iraq, his team protected Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.

Private First Class Timothy J. Seamans died August 18, 2005, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee following a mine-assessment mission in Samarra, Iraq.

“Timothy was well aware of what he was doing, where he was going and what the possibilities were,” this Gold Star father shared.

“His mother and I do not hold anyone accountable for his death.”

“Almost 12 months to the day we received the news about Tim’s death, I got the idea,” Dave recalled, “to honor and remember these heroes.” The Timothy J. Seamans Memorial Foundation— operating as Florida Fallen Heroes—places a fallen hero’s monument at each hometown high school for their alumni that have fallen in the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict.

The Liberty Coast has 21 high schools with graduates who have lost their lives defending the United States of America in our war against terrorism. Funded with the help of American Legion Riders from Post’s 316 and 283, Florida Fallen Heroes dedicated the first Fallen Soldier/field Cross Monument in September 2007 at Terry Parker High School, where PFC Seamans was an alumni.

As of this story—and with the help of many—the foundation has funded 17 memorials at area high schools.

Dave’s voice was full of pride as he shared an incident told to him by one of his son’s commanders. “YOUR SON stopped an entire convoy to give food to a young Iraqi child,” the Army officer told Dave. “I could see [Timothy] was raised by a great mother and father and was raised with values.”

To learn more about Florida Fallen Heroes and support the funding for the memorials destined to honor fallen alumni at Andrew Jackson, Clay, Middleburg and Neese high schools, visit FloridaFallenHeroes.org or contact the foundation’s devoted COO, Sharon Unger, at 904.680.4120 or ffhslunger@yahoo.com.

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News Briefs Clay County officers fake traffic stop to deliver surprise During what appeared to be a routine traffic stop, the officer checking the driver’s ID had the family exit the car and said he couldn’t find the man’s information in the system.

Suddenly, a woman in U.S. military fatigues stepped out of the sheriff’s Photo Credit: Clay County Sheriff ’s Office car. The children immediately ran to her, yelling, “Mommy!” It was a happy reunion—albeit initially tense—with the wife and mother who the family hadn’t seen for months due to deployment.

Veteran husband and wife graduate top of class

As reported by Alexander Osiadacz, husband and wife Patrick and Kristine Hawkins, Navy and Air Force Veterans, respectively, graduated at the top of their nursing class earlier this month. After retiring from the military, the couple wanted to continue serving others in their next career, and so began classes at Chamberlain University’s Jacksonville campus. Patrick was valedictorian and Kristine was salutatorian.

available to Servicemembers. This includes counseling and medication available through your MTF, BAS and ships, as well as a 24/7 live chat service and resources available through the DoD’s YouCanQuit2 campaign.

This information and more can be found on the NMCPHC Tobacco Free Living page.

NAS Jacksonville Commissary slated to begin new curbside pickup program CLICK2GO, the Defense Commissary Agency’s online ordering/curbside pickup grocery service, returned to the Fort Lee Commissary in Virginia on August 4, following a yearlong absence.

Fort Lee is now the sixth store to offer the new service, and five more commissaries are slated to get it later this year.

Using curbside pickup is a straightforward process. Authorized commissary shoppers access the system via the agency’s customer portal, MyCommissary (Commissaries.com/Rewards-andSavings/MyCommissary). Patrons can learn more about CLICK2GO on Commissaries.com/Shopping/Click-2-Go. Once in CLICK2GO, patrons select from commissary products offered online Photo Credit: Defense Commissary Agency based on the store’s availability and choose a pickup time. The only thing left to do is arrive curbside at the appointed time and pay. Commissary workers will load the groceries in the shopper’s car. A $4.95 service fee will be applied for each order at all curbside pickup locations.

The five stores scheduled to receive the service later this year are Fort Polk, Louisiana; NAS Jacksonville, Florida; Offutt AFB, Nebraska; Minot AFB, North Dakota; and Charleston AFB, South Carolina. The number of stores and locations to get the service in 2021 hasn’t been announced.

Next Generation ID for multiple military communities

New legislation makes 21 the legal age for the purchase of tobacco products New legislation, known as “Tobacco 21” (or T21), was enacted on December 20, 2019, and went into effect on August 1, 2020, on military installations in the U.S., its territories and possessions, and on Navy ships at U.S. ports. T21 makes it illegal for retailers to sell tobacco products—including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes—to anyone younger than 21. The new federal minimum age of sale applies to all retail establishments and persons, including military personnel.

For Sailors and Marines who are impacted by the law and ready to end their addictions, Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) is ramping up its efforts to promote tobacco cessation resources and tools

Photo Credit: Air Force photo by Senior Airman Susan Roberts

The military is upgrading the flimsy laminated paper-based ID cards for military retirees, dependents, and other groups for the first time since 1993.

For a list of those eligible for the new ID card, visit www.CAC.mil and click the Next Generation Uniformed Services ID Card tab.

NAS Jacksonville and NS Mayport are not issuing the new IDs until the summer of 2021, at the earliest. There is an extension on current IDs; if your ID expires after January 1, 2020, its use is extended until June 30, 2021.

LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 7

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The Liberty Coast

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay

(SM)

Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island (BIC)

Naval Station Mayport

Jacksonville Air National Guard Base

Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville

Naval Air Station Jacksonville

Cecil Air & Space Port Cecil Commerce Center

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 seven military installations and numerous commands in Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida that represent six 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.

14 | LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 7

Camp Blanding Joint Training Center

Florida National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters

Liberty Never Tasted So Good Proudly Offering Military Discounts.

VFW Youth Scholarships & Teacher Awards 2020

by Richard Possert Jr.

T

here are two youth scholarships and one teacher award presented by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) each year.

The first scholarship, established in 1947, is the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay program, which provides 9th-12th grade students with the opportunity to express themselves in a democratic and patriotic-themed spoken and recorded essay. The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the student’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. National scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. This year’s theme: “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?” Students should record the reading of their drafts to an audio CD or flash drive. The recording can be no shorter than three minutes and no longer than five minutes (plus or minus five seconds). Once the audio version is burned to an audio CD/ flash drive, they should submit the CD/flash drive, plus the typed version and entry form, to their local VFW Post.

The second scholarship results from the VFW Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest, entered each year by more than 138,000 students in grades 6-8. The participants have a chance to win their share of more than $900,000 in state and national awards. Each first-place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first-place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history—along with their own experiences in modern American society—by drafting a 300- to 400-word written essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. This year’s theme: “What is Patriotism to Me?” Once complete, students should submit their written essay and entry form to their local VFW Post.

These programs are open to students enrolled in public, private and parochial schools, or a home study program in the U.S., its territories or its possessions.

Dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools are also eligible to participate. Students must not identify themselves, their school, or any other personal information in their essays. The deadline for each entry submission to be turned into the local VFW Post is Oct. 31, 2020.

Each year, the VFW selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette, and patriotism are prime candidates for this award. All current certified/licensed teachers in grades K-12 are eligible. Nominations can be submitted by themselves, co-workers, supervisors, or family members. The deadline for submissions to your local VFW Post is Oct 31, 2020.

For the location of your closest VFW Post or an entry form, please contact Rich Possert at rpossert@gmail.com, or visit VFW.org/find-a-post and VFW. org/community/youth-and-education.

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