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SPRING 2022 / Volume 2 / Issue 3 LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM
Supporting the Military, Veterans, and their Families across The Liberty Coast
On Base • In Town • Pro-Military
REMEMBERING STEVE SPICKELMIER A Selfless Hero On A Grand Scale
NAVY MUSEUM SHIP HEADED TO JACKSONVILLE Introducing USS Orleck (DD-886) Special 16-page Program Inside
Itching To Get In The Fight
2 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
Caring for the invisible wounds. Conditions treated u Anxiety u Depression u Physical and psychological concerns associated with TBI u Post-traumatic stress u Traumatic brain injury
The UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, Brain Wellness Program provides clinical care for military veterans and other adults experiencing persistent health problems associated with mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries. Applicants undergo a full diagnostic assessment and screening before acceptance into the program. Our goal is to aid in healing and to provide treatment and recovery options for individuals, using a holistic approach. Our outpatient model customizes treatment for each patient to meet their cognitive, emotional and physical needs. Services are provided at no cost to military veterans. Visit UFHealthJax.org/brain-wellness, call 904.244.3289 or email us at UFHealthBrainWellnessProgram@jax.ufl.edu for more information. In collaboration with the Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network.
Services offered u Art therapy u Behavioral health u Case management u Cognitive therapy u Integrative therapy u Neurology u Neuropsychology u Pharmacology u Physical therapy u Psychiatry u Speech and language pathology
HALEY BRAIN WELLNESS PROGRAM 1833 Boulevard Professional Office Building, Third Floor Jacksonville, FL 32206 LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
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Living the Liberty Life
FROM THE PUBLISHER’S LAPTOP Thank you for picking up Liberty Life, I hope you enjoy this issue. During an editorial meeting, one of our contributors, Christina Swanson, commented that a common theme had emerged from the stories in this issue: “choosing to do what’s hard.”
SPRING 2022/VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 4 FROM THE PUBLISHER’S LAPTOP 5 PUBLISHER’S CUT 6 HONORING THE PROMISE 8 ITCHING TO GET INTO THE FIGHT:
Take naval aviator Ben Willingham, for example. He not only taught himself how to fly the F-4U Corsair, he then assertively chased down the Korean War to fly combat missions from an aircraft carrier - and then did it again.
Ben Willigham
12 LIBERTY LIFE FEATURE: Choosing to Do What’s Hard 16 THE LIBERTY COAST: The USS Orleck Arriving
Remembering Steve Speckelmier
Army Veteran Keith Brandon has chosen to do the hard work of navigating the ever-evolving Veterans Benefits Administration and be the critical link between Clay County Veterans and the government benefits they have earned through honorable military service. Then there is Army Chaplain Amy Justice. This Sergeant Audie Murphy Awardee is the poster child for choosing to do what’s hard.
17 IN MEMORIAM:
Remembering Steve Spickelmier
20 VETERAN SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: Meet Keith Brandon
24 NEWS & GOUGE Publisher
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Joe Snowberger, U. S. Navy Mustang (Ret)
Sam Taylor, Pro-Military
(904) 476-7861 Publisher@LibertyLifeMedia.Com
(904) 860-2465, SamTaylor1342@Gmail.Com
LIBERTY LIFE STAFF: Social Media Manager Serena Legg, Military Spouse
Art Director
Susan Jones US Army Veteran Spouse
Contributor
Christina Swanson US Army & Navy Civilian Employee
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Liberty Life Media welcomes editorial, photographic and calendar contributions. Submit stories, events, people, milestones and military/ Veteran discount offers at
www.LibertyLifeMedia.Com 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•SamTaylor1342@Gmail.Com
Choosing to do what’s hard is no more clearly evident than in the culmination of a decade-plus long project to establish a naval warship museum on The Liberty Coast. Thanks to the diligent, steadfast and very patient efforts of the Jacksonville Naval Ship Association, this region’s rich naval and military heritage will finally be represented by a naval warship museum and Cold War memorial. Borrowing a line from a free agent in the sports world, the ex-USS Orleck (DD886) is taking her services as a historic naval warship museum from Louisiana to the former shipyards property in Downtown Jacksonville. Having flown the flags of both the United States and Turkish navies, the museum ship ORLECK will soon be hoisting the colors as the centerpiece of the Jacksonville Naval Museum. We invite you to dive into the special 16-page introduction to the “Grey Ghost of the Vietnam Coast.” STEVE SPICKELMIER
Want to be a Liberty Life pick-up location? Email SamTaylor1342@Gmail.Com
A Cool Ride to the Middleburg, Florida VA Clinic A huge THANK YOU to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 38 for their generous donation of a 2202 Ford Transit Connect van to the Middleburg, Florida VA Clinic. The van will serve Veteran patients, providing transportation to and from VA appointments, in the Middleburg/ Clay County area. Veterans should contact the Clay County Veterans Service Office at 904.284.6326 or at Keith.Brandon@ClayCountyGov.Com. The Middleburg VA Clinic, located at 400 College Drive, Suite 200, Middleburg, FL, provides primary care services, specialty care services that include women’s health, laboratory and vaccinations, mental health care (individual, group, couples), nutrition and weight management, pain psychology, social work, substance abuse and tobacco cessation, and telehealth services for a wide-variety of medical issues. Veterans in need of other specialty services are referred to the appropriate VA Medical Center.
Something is On proving to be very hard to do for many of us across The A Selflessthat Hero A Grand Scale Liberty Coast, and that was absolutely not of our choosing, is mourning the loss of Steve Spickelmier. Steve was an omnipresent and benevolent force whose whole being was choosing what’s hard to do, especially if it was for the betterment of Veterans and Gold Star Families. Steve was a brother, father figure, and mentor, whose voice and warm smile will be sorely missed. Gratefully, his hard work of helping Veterans will live-on for years to come. As the publisher of Liberty Life, my hope is to provide the largest community of military, Veterans, and their families in Florida with relevant, relatable and useful information. If you are pro-military, not connected to military service, or you simply wonder what all the uniforms and jargon means, we hope to connect with you. We hope that, in picking up this copy of Liberty Life, you’ll read something you’ll want to share with others or find your way to LibertyLifeMedia.Com where you’ll experience even more features, news, and things to do. Several readers have told me to encourage you to sign-up for our well-received weekly newsletter, try our podcasts or follow us on Facebook. I’m retired military, I obey orders, so consider yourself encouraged.
On Base. In Town. Pro-Military
Joe Snowberger Retired Navy Mustang Publisher |Liberty Life Media
4 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
T
he Liberty CoastSM stretches from Kings Bay to Matanzas Bay and across nine counties and many military installations, commands and units. The military Servicemember, Veteran and family population is estimated at 375,000 people and that doesn’t even count the pro-military folks who are “Living the Liberty Life” on The Liberty Coast.
Sharing the Rest of the Stories
With so many folks “Living The Liberty Life” and generating so many stories, we simply cannot fit it all into the print issue of Liberty Life. What to do?
Introducing the Publisher’s Cut. In this column, we will connect you to the stories, opinions, news and information that could not fit into the pages of our print issue to them on LibertyLifeMedia.Com. We invite you to scan the QRCodes following each expanded headline. Enjoy these good reads, online: Bravo Zulu. “I wanted to start a career in the military and see different places in the world,” was why Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Daniel Makowski joined the Navy. Now, this native of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, is Naval Air Station Jacksonville’s 2022 Junior Sailor of the Year.
Showing the Flag. A close encounter with a Chinese aircraft carrier has become a badge of honor for a U.S. navy destroyer crew and a rebuke from the Chinese Navy, calling the warship a pain in the . . .”
How Is An LCS Like An SSR? An admiralty and maritime law expert advocates that despite the Mayport-based, Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ships’ mixed reviews and less than charitable nickname, they may be the best Navy ship capable of fulfilling a very important Navy mission.
Blue Star Viewpoint. This compelling opinion from a military spouse offers some informed thoughts on Why Military Spouses Should be a Protected Work Class.
Preserving Their Stories. “I knew I was listening to American history itself and it had to be recorded in some way…” was the genesis for retired teacher Michael Rothfeld to begin preserving our Veterans’ service, adventures and sacrifices. Read more about his numerous documentaries that are in museum and university collections and how you can view them. A RECON Marine’s Transition Journey. Veteran Juan Guerrero shares his take-aways from his military career and more in recounting his journey from being a gritty RECON Marine to achieving a thriving post-military career. Learn more: pbs.org/benfranklin #BenFranklinPBS
Who Knows You is very important in landing your postmilitary job. In Military Transition Tips, you’ll learn to use your free LinkedIn premium account to grow your network of people who know you, increasing your opportunities. You can read or listen to these and a lot more at LibertyLifeMedia.Com. Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter and receive three stories a week..
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN premieres on Jax PBS Monday April 4th & Tuesday April 5th at 8:00 PM ET Channel 7.1 (Comcast 440)
LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
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Honoring the Promise
That first day after the withdrawal, Singleton reached out to retired Army Sergeant, Chris Henson, and they connected with a friend associated with AfganEvac who could help. Both Singleton and Henson had received calls from their former Afghan translators begging for help to get their families out. “We were able to get 15 people out in those first couple of weeks,” said Singleton. He added, “It was brutal and traumatic getting them through the masses of folks trying to escape. Sending photos to a Marine colonel inside the public airport, it was raw luck when he saw them and was able to pull them through the gate. They got out an hour before the bomb went off August 26 that killed 13 Marines, one Sailor and 170 Afghans.” To date, Henson’s interpreter’s family have been rescued, while Singleton is still working to get some of his interpreter’s family out of Kabul or Pakistan. He’s also deeply involved in getting out a colonel he mentored a decade ago and his 22 family members.
Local Veteran Engaged in Afghan Evacuations
It’s Complicated, Really Complicated. Operation Recovery has Afghan comrades impacted
by the expedited withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Photo: BreakingLatest. News
by Christina Swanson
O
n August 15, 2021, US troops were abruptly pulled-out of Afghanistan ending the 20-year Global War on Terrorism movement there.
For US Veterans and Afghan allies, who, side-by-side, had supported and sacrificed for the US’s longest military campaign, it was as if they were called into action again, but this time to rescue their fellow comrades and honor the promise to provide safe passage, relocation, resettlement, and resilience for our at-risk Afghan Allies. The world watched as the withdrawal was followed by armed Taliban fighters swiftly taking over key parts of the country, including the gates to Kabul’s public airport before all Afghan allies and their families could safely leave. Waiting for days and weeks, thousands trying to push past the airport gates, all suddenly people without a home, no shelter or nourishment, to find some way to leave.
Call To Action. Using pay records the U.S. government left behind, the
Taliban are searching door-to-door and bribing neighbors for information about the location of Afghans who assisted the allied forces. Those Afghan allies and their families must continually outrun the Taliban troops hunting for them.
been the primary facilitator of support and aid to the Task Force Pineapple Allies and several others through their Safe-Passage journey. Singleton said, “To date, we’ve supported the successful evacuation of over 3,500 at-risk individuals, some who had already earned their US citizenship or an approved US VISA criteria status. We continue to sustain about 5,000 Allies still in Afghanistan.” Task Force Pineapple carries on pooling resources, so far sending thousands of dollars to allies for food, lodging, travel and bribes to help them hide and survive. Their work has been like an ongoing, six-month-long 911 call. Currently, Singleton is focusing on helping 26 allies leave, working with immigration attorneys, navigating the process of getting passports reissued based on what’s worked for others, expediting the issue of Special Immigration Visas (SIVs), and providing real-time reports of Taliban soldiers’ locations. “Donations have been sent directly to our people on the ground to assist in these 26 allies’ survival,” said Singleton. Singleton, along with other members, have also briefed Congress, via zoom meetings, on pushing an Afghan adjustment act to help shorten the SIV process, among other things. Jon Singleton served in Bosnia, the Middle East and Afghanistan. Many details and pictures have been omitted to protect those still in-country and methods being used. To learn more or directly assist US allies still in Afghanistan, visit OperationRecovery.Org or contact Singleton at Jon@JonSingleton.Com. Read the full story online at LibertyLifeMedia.Com/Articles/Afghan-EVAC
And so, when the US departed and many needing safe transport were left behind, Veterans did what they always do - reach out to their brotherhood of Veterans - and form networks of evacuation and recovery to help get them out and survive until that happens. Established Veterans’ groups, like No One Left Behind, have worked for years to bring military translators back to the US, but now they are working alongside hastily assembled Veteran coalitions, like VanDiver’s #AFGHANEVAC. People were calling this Veteran network a Digital Dunkirk, named after the operation during World War II, when hundreds of pleasure boats were pressed into service to rescue British troops trapped in France. “I, like thousands of other Vets, did not wait even a day to contact one another and start figuring out what connections we had there and what we could do,” said retired naval aviator and commander, Jon Singleton. Singleton, who lives in the San Marco community of Jacksonville, became one of now 400 Veterans in a citizens’ liaison network named Task Force Pineapple, one of hundreds of other task forces, committed to honoring the promise to our Afghan partners and their families. And all these thousands of Veterans, some who quit their day jobs to help, share tips and frustrations in chat rooms to try to make the process faster. 6 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
Names and pictures of allies still in Afghanistan have been omitted for their safety. Photo: Released.
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“I had been given a very brief introduction to the aircraft by an old WWII pilot who basically told me to be careful, as this beast had a temper of its own. I did not have as much difficulty in taxiing as I had anticipated and thus, thought all the stories I had heard about the difficulty in flying the Corsair were wildly overrated.” “I was cleared for takecau-
The F4U Corsair provided air support for ground troops in the Korean War.
ITCHING TO GET INTO THE FIGHT: Naval Aviator Ben Willingham Volunteered For Korean War Combat Tours, 3 Times.
Willingham remembered. “I found the squadron in a hangar at North Island hinking back on his experience and just told him I wanted to join his flying combat missions in the squadron. The squadron had no junior demanding F4U Corsair from the deck officers, and he was glad to get me as of USS Boxer (CV-21), Navy Veteran I would be tagged almost permanently Ben Willingham reminisced, “One day as the Duty Officer. I, along with sevit clicked, and eral other I suddenly youngfelt I had been sters, was flying the Corattached sair forever.” to VF-791 for trainThat was ing, and the recollecultimately tion of the for deKorean War ployment, Veteran and with naval aviator Capt. Bob Buehn, Ben Willingham and Korean Consul Woo Hyun Cho at a 2021 Navy League Jacksonville Honor Dinner. them.” from Nashby Bob Buehn, Retired Navy Captain
T
ville, TN, who was hell-bent to serve and succeed, graduating from high school at 16 to enter Georgia Tech the next Fall. After two years there, he volunteered for the Naval Aviation Cadet program and went to flight school, earning the coveted “Wings of Gold” before his 19th birthday. Soon after, he found himself in San Diego and itching to get into the fight in Korea. He found out a reserve squadron from Memphis, VF-791, made up of mostly WWII combat veteran pilots, had been recalled for service in the Korean War and were training in San Diego.
“Being naïve, I thought I could just go find the Commanding Officer and tell him I wanted to join his squadron,”
“No one seemed to be concerned that I had so few total hours or that my time in the Corsair was less than about 40 hours,” said Willingham. “The salty WWII-experienced pilots took me under their wing and taught me their form of tactics. I think I learned more about flying in the next two months with these reserves than in all the time I had spent in the training command.” Willingham recalls his first flight in the Corsair: “My first introduction to the F4U was at Brown Field in Chula Vista, CA, 21 March 1951. I remember this flight as if it were only yesterday. It was a very pleasant day without a cloud in the sky. I had heard of the Corsair’s reputation but after flying the F6F and the F8F, I thought I could handle anything that wore a propeller.”
8 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
off and
tiously put the throttle forward, felt the torque and realized my leg was not long enough to keep it straight on the runway,” continued Willingham. “I reduced power and brought the airplane to an uneventful stop, taxying clear of the runway. I adjusted my seat forward, the rudder pedals back toward me, added a bit more rudder trim and announced I was again ready for takeoff. This time, I managed to take off without difficulty although it may not have been as straight as I might have liked,” he said. He realized, time was needed in this aircraft to feel at home. “Fortunately, I had the chance to fly it for about 25 hours before I was involved with any formation or tactics,” Willingham recalled. “Then one day it clicked, and I suddenly felt as if I had been flying the Corsair forever. In early 1951, Willingham and the rest of VF-791 joined with the aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) in Pearl Harbor. Boxer then returned to the waters off the Korean Peninsula and commenced what would be almost six months of combat operations. “With VF-791, we flew exclusively He found himself … itching to get into the fight in Korea….” “...I thought I could handle anything that wore a propeller….”
close air ground support missions,” he said. “This involved low altitudes, difficult navigation and heavy loads. The F4U-4 would carry 4,000 pounds on the centerline and wing mounts.” Willingham flew 76 combat missions with VF-791 and is proud of his squadron’s record on that deployment, stating, “VF-791 never lost an aircraft or pilot on its deployment to Korea in spite of weather and flying conditions that may have been some of the worst in the world, coupled with five of us being fresh young aviators just out of training. On the voyage home, at a stop in Pearl Harbor, Willingham learned that several squadrons on USS Valley Forge (CV-45), which was headed back to Korea, were short on experienced close-air ground support pilots. Despite his young age, he had plenty of experience. As a volunteer, he soon found himself back in the Korean conflict, this time flying the Corsair with Marine Corps squadron VMF-243. He would fly another 21 missions in Korea with the Marines. Willingham then transitioned to the F9F Panther jet and flew roughly three dozen more missions in Korea at the end of the war. Willingham served a total of eight years in the Navy before returning to finish his education at Georgia Tech. He went on to have a long career in the international investment business and lived for 30 years in Switzerland. Now retired, Willingham lives in Jacksonville and has been an active leader in the local chapter of the Association of Naval Aviation. Scan the QRCode to read the rest of the story.”
Ben Willingham (2nd from right) with fellow aviators aboard USS Boxer.
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Liberty Life Feature ministry, Justice balked at the idea of going to seminary and studying to be a chaplain even while enjoying conducting bible studies, leading the sermon’s musical side, and counseling soldiers during trying moments. It took a lot of self-examination and sharing with religious teachers to realize that God had always been there giving her hints on her need for seminary. Her first “push” was assisting then Army Chaplain Timothy Maracle, (executive officer for the chief of chaplain’s office at the Pentagon today), who became a close mentor that helped her mature spiritually and socially. While on active duty, she had several “come-to-Jesus” moments like when the base she served in Afghanistan was rocketed with 17 hits as they huddled together in the bunkers, killing their first sergeant. A beloved commander and friend, she had to plan services while grieving, developed PTSD and came to experience true empathy and understanding working through it. Still in denial, Justice took a marriage and family class at Liberty University, (a few years after earning her BA in Psychology), taught by Dr. Kevin Corsini, whose teaching method opened up the bible for her like never before. When Justice asked him where he learned his approach, he told her at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Chaplain Justice in US Army Service Uniform at her endorser’s conference in 2021 wearing the prestigious Sgt. Audie Murphy award medallion earned in 2014 as a staff sergeant.
Choosing to Do What’s Hard Army Chaplain Amy Justice’s Military Journey by Christina Swanson
U
S Army Chaplain Amy K. Justice’s life and career has focused on doing what’s hard, attempting the physically risky, and questioning the seemingly obvious. Unlike some young adults who reach for what’s easy, she leads a “Warrior’s Creed” life, exemplifying Roger Spark’s ethos, “Until you’re uncomfortable, you’ll never know true growth.” Her motto is, “People who haven’t suffered are the poorest of them all.” Justice believes it’s suffering that gives life meaning and brings folks closer to God. “Facing what’s hard, teaches us what we’re made of so we can improve and be better people.”
It was hard to uproot from Virginia to Dallas not knowing anyone or where she would live, but Justice put it all in God’s hands and everything fell into place – even meeting the guy who would be her husband, while teaching religious affairs specialist school. Three years later, after earning her Master’s in Theology degree, she was ordained by the International Ministerial Fellowship in 2017, and was commissioned as an officer and chaplain in the US Army. All the while, whether deployed or in school, Justice asserted herself physically competing in some of the most grueling competitions by professional athlete standards and placed first in them all for her gender and age group. “I believe our bodies are meant to move and when we do, we are uplifted emotionally and spiritually,” said Justice. “I would not have the same connection to God if I didn’t work out.”
“People who haven’t suffered are the poorest of them all.”
Justice seeks moments of suffering under the terms of surfing, CrossFit, Spartan races, and triathlons because they make her feel alive. Almost as much as the physically grueling parts of soldiering – the crawling in the mud, shooting, combatives, or repelling out of helicopters – and electing to take the hard courses like air assault school -- because it’s then that true selves appear.
Maybe her choices point even more to persistence. A born-again Christian since age 14 and a surfer and tri-athlete almost as long, she readily admits that it took many years to learn how to balance on a surfboard and even longer to realize that the ministry was her true calling. With no female role models in the ministry and thinking medical and engineering careers were more significant, Justice never considered it to be the right path for her, despite being a chaplain’s assistant from day one of joining the US Army at age 18. For most of her 19 years in the military, both active duty and in the reserves, with two deployments in Kuwait and one in Afghanistan, and all in the Army
12 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
“I never wanted to go to seminary and then ended up at the Harvard of seminaries, learning biblical Greek and Hebrew, and completing 120 hours instead of the required 72 to graduate, so I could also teach in the future,” said Justice.
Again, she reflects Sparks’ beliefs when he emphasized, “Working out to me has always been about taking control of my direction, and setting myself straight.”
Justice’s focus on advanced fitness and dedication to service led to her being awarded the Sergeant Audie Murphy Award (the most decorated combat soldier of WWII). Earned in 2014, when Justice was a staff sergeant, the medallion signifies an NCO’s exceptional level of competency and expertise as a soldier and leader. “I don’t have to do CrossFit and cycling five times a week, with intermittent surfing, but I do it,” said Justice. “I have learned that I can be disappointed, but even in the worst season, I can overcome it with friends and my faith. When Soldiers come to me with life issues, I can provide decent guidance, when asked.” Today, Justice is a chaplain in the Army Reserve’s 1186th Transportation Terminal Brigade in Jacksonville, but is looking forward to going back to active duty in the Spring of 2022 and working with Soldiers again. “With the skills I have learned in the Army, I feel I can overcome anything.”
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WE'RE BACK LIVE!
The Liberty Coast DING, DING: USS ORLECK ARRIVING
Introducing the The Jacksonville Naval Museum by Joe Snowberger, Tin Can Sailor
T
he most decorated post-World War II warship, along with her 18 battle stars and two different national flags, is packing her bags for a tow to Downtown Jacksonville. Upon arrival in early Spring 2022, the ex-USS Orleck (DD 886) will take her place in Sailors “man the rails” upon entering port aboard the multi-faceted necklace of military USS Orleck DD 886 (Photo: GettyImages) heritage and cultural venues on The Liberty Coast.
March 12 -13, 2022
www. celticstaugustine .com
The destroyer Orleck was built in 1945 and participated in WWII, the Korean and the Vietnam wars. As commonly happens with retired US warships, they have a second career with other countries. Orleck was sold to Turkey and operated under their flag from 1982 to 2000. The historic ship then became a museum ship attraction in Texas and Louisiana. Following an unsuccessful 10 year effort to acquire the USS Charles F. Adams (DDG 2) from the US Navy as a museum ship, The Jacksonville Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) formally acquired the Orleck on January 11th, 2022. The floating warship museum has passed numerous inspections and is undergoing an external makeover in a Texas drydock to prepare her for a tow across the Gulf of Mexico and around Florida to her forever home on the St Johns River. You can read all about the Orleck in the special 16-page introduction in this issue. With naval tradition in mind, Liberty Life extends a hearty “Welcome Aboard.”
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Military Heritage Trail.. The Liberty Coast stretches from Kings Bay in Camden County, Georgia; south to Matanzas Bay in St. Johns County, Florida; west to the Ocklawaha River in Putnam County and north to Kingsley Lake in Clay County. Within those nine counties there are numerous military heritage venues, memorials and museums along this diverse military heritage trail. These include (going north to south): the St. Mary’s Submarine Museum in St. Mary’s, St-marys-submarine-museum.jpg - St. Georgia, brings the history of the “silent Mary’s Submarine Museum is worth a service” alive while the Veterans Memorial visit. Wall in Downtown Jacksonville serves as a tribute to more than 1,700 Jacksonville area American war heroes. The Museum of Southern History is a research museum with more than 6,000 volumes, uniforms and historical pictures from the early Native American period through the Civil War. The evolving National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum and the Chapel of the High-Speed Pass is located in west Jacksonville at the former Naval Air Station Cecil Field, currently known as Cecil Commerce Center. Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park’s displays include aircraft, uniforms, weapons, and vehicles dating back to Camp Blanding’s involvement during WWII. The Military Museum of North Florida is located at the former F6F Hellcat fighter training base in Green Cove Springs and showcases service men and women from every branch of the service. The Spanish Military Hospital Museum presents a guided presentation on St. Augustine’s Historical Spanish Medical Practices. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum shares St. Augustine’s role in World War II and the threat of German submarines off the coast.
16 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
Star Family Parkway, the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum, Vets 4 Vets of Northeast Florida, and the Vietnam Veterans of America.
In Memoriam
Steve is survived by his wife, Glenda, the “love of his life” for over 33 years; five children and ten grandchildren, whom he adored. Selfless Service. Of the many Veteran causes Spickelmier was engaged in, he endeavored in each one as if it was singularly his life’s most focused passion. In just one example, he traveled across the state at his own expense, for many years, working to locate and inter hundreds of unclaimed cremated remains of forgotten Veterans. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” The many hundreds of unclaimed and family-less Veterans who received their final honors because of his dedication and are now thanking Spickelmier as his soul arrives in heaven, validating the difference he made while among us. Read the full tribute to Steve Spickelmier at LibertyLifeMedia.Com/Articles/Remembering-Steve or scan the QRCode.
REMEMBERING
STEVE SPICKELMIER A SELFLESS AND VETERAN ADVOCATE by Joe Snowberger, Retired Navy Veteran and Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home - Jacksonville.
Spickelmier and Cathy Church ensured hundreds of forgotten Veterans were interred at a final resting place through their volunteer service with MIAP.
“I
t is with much sadness that I must inform our Veteran community of the passing of our brother and comrade, Steve Spickelmier,” was the sad message Veteran advocate Bill Dudley recently shared with Florida’s largest community of military, Veterans, and their families. And just like that, one of the very good ones, a staunch and respected Veteran advocate who delivered a decades-long tour of selfless service, had stood his last watch and was relieved of his duty. Immediately the accolades and testimonials began to pour in, all similar to the following: “He volunteered for every position he could find, and he only had one goal: to be part of the solution, not just a critic who sits on the sidelines.”
Always with a smile, Veteran Steve Speckelmier was known for his selfless service.
The Love of the Seas Starts with the Sea Services: U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard & Merchant Marine
“Many benefited from Steve’s contributions without knowing it was him supporting his country and fellow man.” “Selfless in all he has done for the Veteran and Military community.” His obituary reads in part: Steven H. Spickelmier, 77, passed away on January 25, 2022, after a courageous battle against COVID-19. Steve was born and raised in Huntington, Indiana. Inspired by stories shared by his father about the military and his involvement in the D-Day invasion, Steve enlisted in the Navy in 1962 and trained as a torpedoman. He became a plank owner of the submarine tender USS Holland (AS-32) in Rota, Spain. After completing his Naval service, he attended Indiana University. He then joined the Air National Guard and retired in 1987 as a master sergeant with 26 years of military service. In addition to his military service, Steve retired from AT&T/BellSouth as a network operations manager after 32 years. Steve had a sensitive heart for the needs of all Veterans and Gold Star Families. He led or was an integral part of the Veterans Council of Duval County, Support Committee at Jacksonville National Cemetery, the USAF Sergeants Association, Chapter 559, Wreaths Across America, the Gold
OUR MISSIONS:
Enhance the morale of active duty Sea Services personnel and their families. Inform Congress and the American people of the importance of strong U.S. seapower. Support and educate young people about the Sea Services through youth programs like the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Naval Junior ROTC, and others. HAVE FUN doing it with behind the scenes tours and interesting & informative events.
Anyone interested in our mission is welcome. No prior military affiliation required. Join us as an individual, a business, or as a Community Affiliate.
We’ll See You at an Upcoming Event Learn more at
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904-775-4568 LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
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Making Your Special Day Memorable.... At a Historic Chapel Setting with Military Emphasis
Memorials Services & Weddings Renew Wedding Vows Christian Seminars
Meet Keith Brandon
CLAY COUNTY’S VETERANS’ SERVICES OFFICER by Joe Snowberger, Retired Navy Mustang
C
hickamauga, Georgia’s very own Keith Brandon is Clay County’s Veterans’ Services Officer, A.K.A., the VSO. A 20-year career Army Veteran, Brandon has nearly 20 additional years of experience working with Veterans and their families in Putnam and Alachua counties, the City of Jacksonville Military Affairs Department, Florida Department of Corrections, and Career Source. He also participates in programs to assist homeless and incarcerated Veterans.
Brandon holds a Master’s in Business Management and Leadership and is credentialed with the Meet Clay County’s dedicated Vet- Veterans Administration, Florida Department of eran Service Officer, Army Veteran, Veterans Affairs, American Legion, Veterans of Keith Brandon. (Photo: Released) Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans for Compensation and Pension Claims. He is also a certified Military Veterans Benefits Counselor and a National Career Coach.
Located on the Future National POW-MIA Memorial & Museum at Cecil Commerce Center Reverend Patrick Archuleta, Chaplain U.S. Air Force Retired To Book Your Special Event Call 904-616-0327
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Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Mike Cella said, “Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Clay County and we are pleased to have him on board. We know he will provide an excellent level of service to local veterans and their dependents seeking assistance.” With more than 30,000 Veterans that call Clay County “home,” the VSO is the critical link between Veterans and the government benefits they have earned through honorable military service to our country. The Clay County VSO’s primary focus is to advise, instruct, and counsel Veterans and their families of their earned benefits from the Veterans Administration and the Department of Defense. The VSO serves as a liaison and advocate for local Veterans to help determine eligibility and apply for benefits including disability compensation, pension, insurance, education, job services, VA home loans, medical expenses, death, burial benefits, and much more. Keith Brandon said, “The Veterans Benefits Administration is evolving and changing every day and navigating the VA claims system can be difficult, so I encourage all Clay County Veterans to contact me and let me help them through the process and keep them updated as services evolve.” Brandon added, “I have been a resident of Clay County for 23 years and I am humbled and honored to be able to serve local Veterans who have contributed so much to our community.”
The Rest of The Story. Born and raised near the Appalachian mountains
in Chickamauga, Georgia, Brandon joined the Army at 18. During his 20 year career as an Army Infantryman, Brandon served in South Korea, Hawaii, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Georgia, as well as a wartime deployment during (done) Desert Storm in 1991. When not serving Veterans, Brandon said, “I am into health and fitness and enjoy working out six days a week. I also enjoy cooking my own meals and like to find new recipes to try out at home.”
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1190 S. Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville, FL TheStoutSnug.Com | 904 240-1574 20 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
Brandon’s office is on the second floor of the County Administration Building. Call him at (904) 284-6326, email him at Keith.brandon@claycountygov.com, visit ClayCountyGov.Com/Community/Veterans-Services or follow at Facebook.Com/ClayCtyVeteransServices. .
Liberty Never Tasted So Good Proudly Offering Military Discounts.
The University of North Florida’s Military and Veterans Resource Center provides veterans, active duty military, spouses and families with the support they need to smoothly transition from a military environment to campus life. Contact us, and start the next chapter of your journey at UNF! Phone: 904-620-5131 Email: mvrc@unf.edu unf.edu/military-veterans
Now booking Holiday Parties Reserve Your NYE Party With Us
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thenian Owl Restaurant, where traditional Greek food is prepared daily using only the freshest ingredients and authentic imported products. We incorporate traditional family recipes with a modern spin, showcasing our passion for cooking. Join us today for lunch or dinner and learn why it is a local favorite for some of the best Greek food in Jacksonville.
9551 Baymeadows Rd. suite #21-23 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Phone: (904) 503-3008 www.AthenianOwlJaxFl.com
THANK YOU
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WELDING • HVAC/R • ELECTRICAL (888) 926-3034 TWS.edu 3500 SOUTHSIDE BLVD., JACKSONVILLE, FL 32216
Accredited School, ACCSC. TWS-Jacksonville located at 1750 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216 is recognized by ACCSC as a satellite location of TWS-Jacksonville located at 3500 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216, which is a branch campus of Tulsa Welding School, located at 2545 E. 11th St., Tulsa, OK 74104. Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 2331, and by the Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration, License No. C-668. Licensure indicates only that minimum standards have been met; it is not an endorsement or guarantee of quality. Licensure is not equivalent to or synonymous with accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This institution is regulated by: Office for Career and Technical Schools, 10 N. Senate Ave, Suite SE 308, Indianapolis, IN 46204; OCTS@dwd.in.gov; http://www.in.gov/dwd/2731.htm. GI Bill® Eligible (check with local campus for specific eligibility). For more information about our programs, please visit our website at: http:// www.tws.edu/student-resources/regulatory-information/. *Scholarships available to those who qualify. Candidates need to refer to the scholarship information page to determine topic of essay (where applicable) and must meet all regular admissions requirements and be scheduled to start training prior to applying for a scholarship. If a student changes his/her re-enter date, the scholarship award may be forfeited. Scholarships are not transferable and most scholarships cannot be used in conjunction with any other scholarship TWS offers. In most cases, only one award will be given per student. If a student is eligible for multiple scholarships, the scholarship that is most beneficial to the student will be awarded. Scholarships will be distributed incrementally over the entire duration of the program. Scholarship eligibility requires continuous enrollment. Failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress may result in the probation and possible loss of scholarship. Termination from training may also result in the loss of a scholarship, which may increase your tuition obligation to TWS. Tuition charges will be based on the amount reflected on your Enrollment Agreement. See the reverse side of your Enrollment Agreement or the School Catalog for the school’s refund policy. STEG-02-1285
LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
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22 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
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LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
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News & Gouge
125TH FIGHTER WING HAILS NEW COMMANDER
UNMANNED TRITON ARRIVES ON THE LIBERTY COAST
An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), landed at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. The large, remotely piloted drones have a wingspan of 131 feet, carry multiple sensors and can fly for about 24 hours with the capability to patrol and survey An MQ-4C Triton lands at N.S. Mayport. 2.7 million square miles of ocean and coastal areas in a single mission. All without onboard-crew rest or dinner break requirements. VUP-19, Known as “Big Red” is the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photos by MC2 Nathan T. Beard and PO2 Austin Collins. Released)
THE SHAPE OF A NEW NAVY UNIFORM TO COME? The Navy’s senior enlisted leader, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith, recently showed off a new two-piece khaki outfit during a test-wear recently while meeting with top brass at a Naval Air Station. According to the Navy, it is a strong candidate to make it to the fleet as a safe alternative to wear in an operational environment of a ship (read: flame resistant) as well as being formal enough to wear off-base and in town. The Navy has struggled with accepting a uniform that could be worn at sea as well as in port, on and off the ship.
125th FW staff welcome their new commander. (Photo: FNG Facebook)
JACKSONVILLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Fla. - U.S. Air Force Colonel George H. H. Downs relieved Colonel Matthew J. French and assumed command of the 125th Fighter Wing during a recent change of command ceremony in front of Servicemembers, family and friends, and distinguished guests. Downs earned an active duty commission through the University of Illinois Reserve Officer Training Corps program in May 1999. He is a Command Pilot with over 2,600 flying hours in the T-37, T-38 and F-15A-D, and maintains a commercial pilot affiliation with a major United States airline. In his remarks, Downs reminded the command members of why they are here. “Our enemies have not been cheering us along from the sidelines,” Downs said. “Our enemies continue to plan their next moves while sowing distrust among us and our fellow Americans. We must always remember that the reason the 125th Fighter Wing exists is to fight our nation’s enemies in order to protect the homeland. And we must never allow ourselves to lose focus from that purpose.” Located adjacent to the Jacksonville International Airport, the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base is home to the 125th Fighter Wing’s F-15Cs. “Always “on alert” to respond to threats to the homeland, the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing is Located adjacent to the Jacksonville International Airport at the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base.
(Photo: from MCPON Twitter)
JAX NAVY FLYING CLUB SEEKS SOCIAL MEDIA VOLUNTEER
Congratulations to Taylor Lowe on his first solo flight at the Jax Navy Flying Club on January 6th, 2022.
The Jacksonville Navy Flying Club, located on NAS Jacksonville, FL, USA has plenty of aircraft available for rent, and plenty of instructors for future pilots. The club is open to DoD active duty military, retired personnel, federal employees, and Civil Air Patrol members.
What they don’t have is someone to tell their story on social media. If interested - tell them Liberty Life sent you - and please send a PM to Facebook.Com/ JAXNFC. 24 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SPRING 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 3
NAVY BOOT CAMP NOW 10 WEEKS LONG The Navy extended basic training by 2 weeks beginning January 3rd, 2022. New Navy recruits will now enjoy 10 weeks of boot camp. According to Rear Adm. Jennifer Couture, commander of Naval Service A Navy Boot Camp formation at Great Lakes Navel Station. Training Command, the first (Photo USNI.) eight weeks of training will continue to focus on teaching new recruits about what a Sailor is and what they will be expected to do once they join the fleet. During the last two weeks, the new Sailors will use their new skills in scenarios to increase understanding about Navy culture and prepare them for scenarios they might encounter while in the fleet. The new “Sailor For Life” training includes life skills, financial planning, small unit leadership, decision making on a team and individual scale, goal setting and career progression.
CLAY COUNTY CL AGRICULTURAL FAIR AGR Big Wheels &
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2015 CADILLAC SRX PREMIUM
2018 TOYOTA RAV4 SE
2018 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I
2018 GMC ACADIA SLT-1
$13,500
$22,500
$24,900
$26,500
$26,990
$26,990
LOADED, LOW MILES!
PT3195A
LOW MILES!
PT3199
LOADED, LOW MILES!
PT3163A
NZ107560B
PR3173
PR3172
2017 INFINITI QX30 PREMIUM
2018 INFINITI QX60 BASE
2019 CADILLAC CTS 2.0L TURBO
2019 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD SPORT
2018 BUICK ENCLAVE AVENIR
2020 FORD F-150 XLT
$27,500
$29,500
$34,990
$36,490
$38,390
$44,900
21K MILES, LOADED!
LOW MILES!
FIELDS CADILLAC ST. AUGUSTINE
375 OUTLET MALL BLVD, ST AUGUSTINE, FL 32084 *With approved credit. Not all buyers will qualify. Does not include tax, tag or title. See dealer for full details.
SHOWROOM CONDITION!
13K MILES!
904-694-3050
