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JULY 2020/Volume 1/Issue 1 LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM
Supporting the region’s largest community of military, Veterans, and their families.
On Base • In Town • Pro-Military
Fleet Readiness Center Southeast:
The largest industrial employer in the region
PLUS:
Check out what’s happening this month
Welcome to Stars and Stripes Featuring Liberty Life!
Liberty Picks
JULY 1 2020//VOL.1 ISSUE 1
PROVIDED BY THEVETERANCOMPASS.ORG
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 31 5th Street Atlantic Beach, Fl 32233-5307 DISTRIBUTION: Copyright © Signals Publishing, Inc 2020 Distribution Bobby Pendexter CosmicDistributions@gmail.com President•Sam Taylor Sam@LibertyLifeMedia.Com
Liberty Life Media welcomes editorial, photographic and calendar contributions. Submit stories, events, milestones and military/ Veteran discount offers at www.LibertyLifeMedia.Com Please share and recycle issues.
LIBERTY VOICES: FROM THE PUBLISHER
The Birth of Liberty Life! As we celebrate the birth of our nation, we also celebrate the birth of Liberty Life Media. Our region’s military and Veteran community is approximately 350,000 strong and growing. That translates into one in four of the 1.5 million of us being an active military Servicemember, GUARD member or Reservist, DOD employee, Veteran, military retiree, and/ or a family member. We are one of the largest populations of military, Veterans, and their families in the U.S.. The Liberty Life footprint centers on the five neighboring counties in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia of Camden, Nassau, Duval, Clay, and St Johns: now known as the “Liberty Coast.” The Veteran-led staff of Liberty Life is proud to launch this mission to connect, inform, and support the Liberty Coast. Liberty Life brings hyper-local military, Veteran, and family content to each issue. We will help military and families assimilate to our community as they look for homes, neighborhoods, schools, stores, activities, and spousal employment. We will introduce readers to military transition programs and services to assist and ease the transition to civilian life and new careers. Liberty Life will also
introduce Veteran Service Organizations, Veteran-owned and pro-military companies to its readers. Additionally, we will show our readers places to go and things to do, both on base and in town. Liberty will be a free distribution all across the Liberty Coast, including its seven military bases and other major commands. We invite and encourage everyone to participate by submitting events, story ideas and special offers at LibertyLifeMedia.Com. In addition to print, readers can access a digital edition and expect a robust social media presence. We invite you to:
Your Career Awaits Blue Star Families Spouseforce Orientation
We have all been there—trying to make new connections, get leads on who is hiring—all while trying to land that job. Start your career planning the right way by attending the #BSFSpouseforce orientation. Receive personalized assistance, resume evaluation and tips, local resources and connections to support your career goals. Must register to attend. 7 a.m., Monday, July 6, www.tfaforms.com/4771469, free.
United We Stand Veterans Council Of Duval County Monthly Meeting
Representatives of local, state and national Veteran service and pro-Veteran organizations gather to share, cooperate and precipitate the welfare of and positive outcomes for Veterans. Remember to wear your facemask or grab one on your way in. 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, American Legion Post 137, 5443 San Juan Ave., Lakeshore, jaxvcdc.org, 904-252-9497, free.
•Share the story of your command, organization, or company’s service, program, history, hero, or milestone •Share and promote your events and activities on base and in town, especially if pro-military •Share your special offers for our military, Veterans, and their families Call me to discuss how together we can support, connect and inform our Servicemembers, our Veterans, and their families while celebrating the Liberty Life! _____________________
Joe Snowberger, U. S. Navy Mustang (Ret) Publisher Liberty Life Media
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Healthy Military Families Initiative Cooking Live With Julie
Advance your cooking skills and learn a variety of exciting recipes through this Facebook Live series. Watch the website to find out when to tune in. Follow Greater Jacksonville Florida Area USO’s Facebook to join the class. 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, jax.uso.org/events, facebook.com/ JAXUSO, free.
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FLEET READINESS CENTER SOUTHEAST: The largest industrial employer in the region
by Stephanie Thompson
W
elcome to Stars and Stripes Featuring Liberty Life! In this first issue, we will introduce two of our local military commands to give the community a better understanding of what these organizations do, highlighting the positive impact of one in particular. Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) is the largest tenant comand at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville and is also the largest industrial employer in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. FRCSE manages 3,800 federal civilian employees, 900 active-duty military personnel, and 650 contractors. FRCSE also has oversight over two additional tenant commands: one at Naval Station Mayport and one at NAS Key West. In layman’s terms, “FAR-SEE” is an aircraft overhaul and rebuilding facility. If it flies in our skies, FRCSE is tracking each stage of its life. The command ensures all air-related tasks and equipment take to the sky with safety and efficiency. FRCSE provides “general aviation and repair services” as well as “indepth modifications and overhaul
of aircraft, engines, and their components.” They perform these services for every branch of the military and cover a wide variety of aircraft, including the P-3 Orion, F/A-18 Hornet, T-34 and T-44 Trainer Aircraft, EA-6B Prowler, and SH-60 Seahawk Helicopter. A wide range of professions are engaged in keeping aircraft safe, operational, and up to date. Engineers and scientists, as well as administrative, business, corporate, and security personnel all play very necessary roles. These artisans are crucial to projects involving aircraft and weapons systems as well as the systems with which they interface. Teams at FRCSE are dedicated to both improving current systems and developing new systems within the field of military aviation. The command is highly dedicated to quality and the customer experience. Although it’s not required by law, FRCSE took the initiative to become the first Navy facility to earn AS 9100 certification. AS 9100 “standardizes quality management system requirements for companies involved in the aerospace industry and supply chain.” This is done, in part, by
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disposing of organization-specific provisions. That means that FRCSE chose not to conduct business in a special way that may only be done in the military, but instead adopted the standards that are highly regarded in the aerospace industry as a whole. This decision prevents confusion at all stages and allows for a seamless client journey. Additionally, FRCSE is ISO 9001 certified, another proactive step that signifies their commitment to customer satisfaction and quality management. ISO is a global organization of the leading national standard bodies in each of its member countries (for the U.S., it is ANSI). The institution distills the knowledge and expertise of its members to create formulas for the best way to achieve something. When there is agreement about the formula among the international experts who understand the field in question, it then becomes the standard. ISO 9001 certification is not a requirement — further proof of FRCSE’s pledge to excellence in all activities the command partakes in. FRCSE provides livelihood to over
5,000 families in the Jacksonville area. The income these families receive circulates to many channels: restaurants, shops, housing, groceries, recreation, education, etc. This impact outside of FRCSE’s main mission is absolutely vital to our local economy, as we’ve recently been made very aware by the consequences of COVID-19. When people don’t spend money, businesses fail. When businesses fail, people lose their jobs. Fortunately, FRCSE did not have to stop any of its operations, needing only to adapt its daily approach to work life amidst the pandemic. The organized and thorough response by FRCSE ensured business could go on, offering not only peace of mind to all its families, but the practical ability to keep food on each table. The pandemic has highlighted many weaknesses in our economy and societal institutions, but FRCSE’s story is one of strength and stability. The aircraft of FRCSE are true assets to the Jacksonville community!
Liberty Call... Watch the largest Fourth of July Firework displays in and around Downtown Jacksonville.
St. Marys, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville Beach will not be holding their annual firework festivities in 2020.
THE FORCE OF A FLEET IN OUR BACKYARD
Community FOURTH of JULY COOKOUT Celebrate with special-release beers, hamburgers and hotdogs at this family-friendly social. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, Wicked Barley Brewing Company, 4100 Baymeadows Rd., Southside, wickedbarley.com, free. ATLANTIC BEACH ARTS MARKET Wild About Art: Kid’s Summer Art Camp 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, July 6-10, $125/$150 per child per week, advanced registration required. The market is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 1805 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, atlanticbeachartsmarket.com.
What having a numbered Navy fleet means for the First Coast
RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET Now with two ways to shop and support local businesses, this weekly market is available online 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and in person (for essential items) 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, 715 Riverside Ave., Riverside, riversideavondale.org, free. SUMMER READING PROGRAM Read, or be read to, at least an hour a week to be entered into gift card drawings. Readers who earn all challenge badges will also be entered into a final gift card drawing. Program open to Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army and Department of Defense-affiliated readers of any age. Register as an individual or family through August 31, dodvirtualsrp.beanstack.org/reader365, free.
by Courtney Stringfellow
N
ortheast Florida is home to one of the seven active numbered Navy fleets: U.S. FOURTH Fleet. Although no vessels are permanently assigned to the fleet, it is staffed and prepared to protect our region and its resources. FOURTH Fleet celebrated 12 years at Naval Station Mayport in May, but its history goes back several decades. World War II demanded the U.S. join forces with nations willing and able to defend the country, especially those nearby. Brazil was fairly neutral in the war, trading with both the Allies and the Axis powers, until the war made trade more difficult. In August 1942, Brazil joined the Allies. In September, Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas ordered the Brazilian Navy to be placed under the command of U.S. Vice Admiral Jonas H. Ingram. Three days later, Vice Admiral Ingram was appointed commander of the South Atlantic Force, which protected both countries from raiders, blockade runners and submarines. A mere six months later, in March 1943, South Atlantic Force became FOURTH Fleet. Toward the end of the war, in April 1945, FOURTH Fleet was renamed Task Force 27, which dissolved in the fall of 1945. According to FOURTH Fleet’s website, FOURTH Fleet was reactivated in January 1946 as a reserve unit in support of Emergency Plan White, to be dissolved again a year later. SECOND Fleet absorbed
FOURTH Fleet’s responsibilities beginning in 1950, following years of reorganization within the Navy after World War II. On April 24, 2008, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead formally announced the reestablishment of FOURTH Fleet effective May 5. As part of the U.S. Southern Command, its primary purpose would be to reinforce the United States’ commitment to maritime security in the Caribbean, Central America, South America and surrounding waters. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the announcement spurred some skepticism, particularly among the governments of Cuba, Venezuela and Brazil, as a result of misinformation regarding the mission. Regardless, FOURTH Fleet remains committed to promoting peace and stability between the U.S. and its neighbors in the Western Hemisphere. As other nations seek to establish economic and political power in this region, FOURTH Fleet continuously works to identify and halt acts of terrorism and drug and human trafficking, as well as ensure nations are prepared to overcome natural disasters and medical emergencies. Under the direction of Commander, Rear Admiral Donald D. Gabrielson, it is the fleet’s commitment to maintaining positive relationships with regional allies that protects our communities, our shores and our freedoms.
NAVY MWR ESPORTS—COD: WARZONE Sailors are invited to compete in this 4v4 tournament via their PlayStation, Xbox or PC gaming platforms. Each player on the first-place team will win a $100 NEX gift card. Register as a team or an individual by 1 p.m. EST on July 2, keeping in mind that spots may fill up before the deadline. 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, register navymwr.org/esports, watch twitch.tv/navymwr, free. VETERAN VIRTUAL ONLINE ALL RECOVERY MEETING Safe Project hosts these weekly events for Veterans who have experienced addiction or are on a path of recovery. 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, zoom.us/j/4696059639, free.
Naval Air Station Jacksonville VIRTUAL STORY TIME NAS Jacksonville hosts weekly story times with special guests in conjunction with the DoD’s Summer Reading Program. Tune in each week through July to hear a different children’s book. Remember to log each reading for your chance to win prizes. Through August 7, navymwrjacksonville.com/virtual-story-time, free.
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay SUCCULENT WREATH CRAFT Bushel and Peck teaches patrons and their guests how to decorate a midsummer succulent wreath using real dried moss and faux succulents. Space is limited to 10 attendees. Sign up at Tickets and Travel. 6-8 p.m. Monday, July 6, TRIPLEX Conference Center, 950 USS James Madison Rd., Bldg. 1039, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, navymwrkingsbay.com, $45, must have base access. SUMMER MOVIES at the BOX OFFICE Enjoy a free family-friendly movie most Mondays and Wednesdays in July. Dolittle plays noon-2 p.m. Monday, July 6, Box Office, 1229 USS Daniel Boone Ave., Bldg. 1031, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, navymwrkingsbay.com, free, must have base access. ACTIVE-DUTY BOWL FREE The bowling center invites active-duty personnel to take a break from the week with free bowling. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Rack-N-Roll Lanes, 1216 USS Daniel Boone Ave., Bldg. 1033, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, navymwrkingsbay.com, free, must have base access. GOLF CLINICS Whether you’ve played a few rounds or you’re new to the sport, this weekly event gives Servicemembers the opportunity to learn new skills during these 60-90-minute classes. Call to register. Men practice 3 & 4 p.m. Thursday, July 2; women practice 9 a.m. & 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, Trident Lakes Golf Club, 1010 USS Proteus Blvd., Bldg. 163, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, navymwrkingsbay.com, 912-573-8475, $5, must have base access. LADIES’ GOLF DAY Mingle at tee time with fellow women in the military community. Call with questions. 8:20 a.m. Thursdays & Tuesdays, Trident Lakes Golf Club, 1010 USS Proteus Blvd., Bldg. 163, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, navymwrkingsbay.com, 912-573-8475, regular admission prices, must have base access.
Naval Station Mayport RED, WHITE & BLUE FLAG TOURNAMENT Players are issued a flag with their name and handicap allotment (if none, play “0”). Players play the course until their strokes run out, and then they place their flags in the ground. The player with the most remaining strokes wins. The payout for this 18-hole tournament ranges from $40 for fifth place to $120 for first, dependent on 40 players participating. 7-11 a.m. Saturday, July 4, Windy Harbor Golf Club, 1981 Main St., Naval Station Mayport, navymwrmayport.com, $20, must have base access. VIRTUAL PAINT NIGHT Start the weekend off right with the fun and instruction of a paint class from the comfort of your home. Sign up before July 9 to reserve your seat. After registering, participants can pick up their supplies 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, July 6-9, at The Beacon. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, navymwrmayport.com/register, $25. LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | JULY 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 1
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