Barnegat Grad Trains Junior Navy O cers

Patrick Thompson

By Andrey Nalbantov BARNEGAT – A Barnegat

native, stationed in San Diego, California, serves in the U.S. Navy at Assault Craft Unit One (ACU 1).

Patrick Thompson, who graduated from Southern Regional High School in 2005, started his career in the Navy 14 years ago.

Thompson holds the rank of chief petty officer, where he has the chance to help his younger sailors achieve their dream in the Navy, and in their outside civilian lives as well.

He said that the Navy helped him fi nd a needed change in life, as well as stability.

“The Navy allowed me to achieve both of those, as well as serving my country and starting a career,” said Thompson.

The skills and values Thompson learned at the Navy are also similar to the ones he found while growing up, and volunteering as a fi refighter in Barnegat.

“I come from a family where good (work ethic) was instilled from a very young age,”

–Photo courtesy U.S. Navy he said. “I was also a volunteer fi refighter at Station 11 in Barnegat, and have used those skills while underway and for damage control.”

While serving in the Navy, Thompson remains a part of a world-class organization that is focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, and sustaining combat ready-forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy is important for national defense by being constantly on deployment 365 days a year showing force and ensuring that global shipping lanes and travel are open to the world,” he said.

While Thompson and other sailors continue to carry out missions with the Navy, they also continue to take pride in serving their country.

“Being in the Navy gives people the opportunity to serve their country and work with a team of people who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the greater good of the best country in the world,” said Thompson.

Local Pets Available For Adoption

LACEY – The Associated Humane Society shelter at the Popcorn Park Zoo has pets available for adoption.

What a funny, silly, sweet dog Rummy is! He’s a shepherd mix of almost 3 that’s had a couple of homes now and he’s back to searching for the perfect, forever home where he can bring all of the joy and happiness that he has to offer. Please don’t think that Rummy has ever done anything wrong. Circumstances like a new job, new baby, and that sort of thing led to Rummy needing new homes, that’s all. He’s a lovable, well-behaved boy that never met anyone he didn’t like. He’s young and active, so he needs daily exercise and playtime. He’s housebroken, good on a leash, he’s had plenty of training and he’s super affectionate and friendly. Rummy is good with other dogs too! He’s the kind of

– Photo courtesy AHS dog that will be a forever-puppy and the perfect family dog. He’ll be overjoyed to be welcomed into your life!

Call 609-693-1900, visit ahscares.org/ forked-river-adoptables/ or email: office@ ahsppz.org for an adoption application.

Mental Health Awareness Workshop For Seniors

STAFFORD – Mayor Myhre and Township Council would like to invite residents to their Mental Health Awareness Workshop for Seniors, as part of our Mayor’s Wellness Campaign.

The event will be held at the Bay Avenue Community Center on March 29 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Complementary refreshments will be served! For more information, contact Rachel Giolitto at 609-597-1000 ext. 8509.

SHORT

LONG

OUR

• Promote a culture within our company where our employees provide the highest standards of medically complex care in a patient focused environment

• Foster a compassionate and caring patient setting, while utilizing cutting-edge technology