Flagship 01142021

IN THIS ISSUE

NRL ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS TheU.S.NavalResearchLaboratorytodayannouncedthe executive leadership appointments

VOL. 27, No. 02, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com

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MC2 Alexander C. Kubitza Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite listens to a question from a Sailor during a visit to Navy Operational Support Center Newport. During the visit, Braithwaite congratulated the Reserve Sailors and NOSC staff for their outstanding work during COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts last year.

Secretary of the Navy visits NOSC Newport, MSRON 8

From Commander, Navy Reserve Force Public Affairs NEWPORT, R.I.

Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite met with Reserve Sailors assigned to Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Newport and Maritime Security Squadron 8 (MSRON 8) aboard Naval Station Newport, Jan. 9.

This was the first visit to a NOSC by a Secretary in recent memory. During the visit, Braithwaite congratulated the Reserve Sailors and NOSC staff for their outstanding work during COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts last year.

“Many of you probably know I retired from the Navy after 31 years of combined active and reserve service. I am proud of that and want to thank each of you for your dedicated service and the

sacrifices you endure to serve our country,” said Braithwaite. “The nation sends its gratitude to the over 3,000 Reserve Sailors, many who mobilized in less than 48 hours, that deployed in the fight against COVID-19.”

Braithwaite then met with NOSC Newport and MSRON 8 leadership, and received briefs on the commands and 

See NOSC NEWPORT | A7

IWTC Virginia Beach Sailors recognized as CIWT domain-wide Instructors of the Year

From Center for Information Warfare Training Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH

MC1 Ashley Berumen Capt. Craig Gummer, commodore, Submarine Squadron 20 (left), presents (from left to right) Cmdr. Jason Anderson, commanding officer, Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (Submarines) Sterling Sims, chief of the boat, and Lt. Cmdr.

Patrick Bray, executive officer of the Gold Crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), with the prestigious Battle “E” Award onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, Jan. 8.

Submarine Force Atlantic announces Battle “E” winners

NORFOLK

Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (SUBLANT) announced the winners of the 2020 Battle Efficiency (“E”) awards, Jan 1.

The Battle “E” competition recognizes commands that attained the highest overall or departmental readiness to carry out its assigned wartime tasks as a

Two instructors attached to Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Virginia Beach were named the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) domainwide 2020 Military Instructors of the Year (IOY).

Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jaron Dick and Lt. Heather Gotliboski were named as the CWIT domain-wide Junior Instructor of the Year (JIOY) and Officer Instructor of the Year, respectively.

IWTC Virginia Beach takes great pride in the vast experience each instructor brings with them as they stand before their students on a daily basis. With a combined 40 years of active duty experience, both Dick and Gotliboski have dedicated themselves to providing hundreds of hours of instruction while including what they have learned in the fleet to make course material more relevant to their students.

What has set both IOYs apart from their peers is their ability to also provide mentorship to both their enlisted and officer students by going above and beyond to ensure that all students not only understand course material to the best of his or her ability, but to understand how he or she fits into

By Holly Carey

Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

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Additional naval military treatment facilities receiving COVID-19 vaccine Atotalofmore than25 NavalMilitaryTreatment FacilitiesonNavyaround theworld havereceived COVID-19vaccines See A6

See WINNERS | A7

NMCP’s Pharmacy Call Center ‘answers the call’ in response to COVID-19 pandemic It’s justanotherday inthe Naval Medical Center Portsmouth’sPharmacy Call Center where staffmembersanswer hundreds ofcalls aday See A6

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change of command Rear Adm.Alvin Holsey relieved Rear Adm.JeffHughesas Commander,Navy PersonnelCommand duringachange of commandceremony

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Courtesy photo Members of the surgical team at NMCCL assist students from Coastal Carolina Community College's Surgical Technology Program during their clinical training portion of curriculum. The college faculty recently recognized NMCCL's operating room staff for their continuous educational support.

NMCCL recognized by local college for outstanding clinical training

By Michelle Cornell

Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune Public Affairs

CAMP LEJEUNE , N.C.

Coastal Carolina Community College faculty recently recognized Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune’s operating room staff for their continuous educational support of the school’s Surgical Technology Program. A letter of appreciation sent from the CCCC Surgical Technology Instructor highlights the dedication and commitment of the surgical staff at NMCCL. “We are honored to have a legacy of over a 20-year partnership with the operating room at Navy Medical Center,” writes Intisar Al-Hayek. “Even during these unprecedented times, the dedicated surgical technologists and registered nurses have continued to provide outstanding clinical instruction for the Coastal Carolina students.”

The Surgical Technology Program’s goal is for participants to receive eventual national certification to work in any state as a

surgical technologist. Part of completing the program is clinic training rotation in medical facilities like NMCCL. Each semester NMCCL sees approximately three or four students typically two to three days a week for their hands-on, clinical training.

NMCCL staff considers the partnership a win-win. U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Carlton Bennett, Department Head of the Operating Room, states the partnership is beneficial to his staff members.

“This partnership gives our staff the opportunity to learn and develop preceptoring skills,” says Bennett. He explains that preceptoring skills are necessary in identifying the best approach to teaching and developing proficiency of skills to current employees.

“Our staff members tend to be a mix of new and experienced members and preceptoring skills are necessary in this field where there are continuous competency sets that need to be acquired,” explains Bennett.

Surgical technologists play an important role in the surgical team. Technicians work with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and other members during surgery, and their role is crucial to ensuring an organized and sterile work environment.

Bennett believes what makes the clinical partnership between NMCCL and CCCC unique is the diverse exposure to the different departments, procedures performed, and the skill level of the staff at NMCCL. “I do have the benefit of having some extremely talented surgical techs that are available to teach them,” states Bennett.

“Our staff range anywhere from recently graduated up to 15 plus years [experience], so they get a wide range of exposure to surgical techs with a wealth of knowledge.”

Clinical curriculum for the students is predetermined by the program’s instructors and are based on which skills the students need to develop. The students are then assigned to different areas of the operating room based on those needs. One of the key elements in the successful partnership is the open communication with the staff and instructors.

“What is extremely helpful is the surgical technologists and registered nurses at

Naval Medical Center let me know what skills they observe the students need extra practice on,” says Al Hayek.

The staff at NMCCL are dedicated to ensuring the students receive the full experience of what it is like to be a surgical technician working in the field. The General Surgery staff Bennett represents is excited about the future of the partnership.

“As the department head, I engage the students in the operating room, just like anybody else, so they get exposure to the entire chain of leadership in the OR,” states Bennett. “We are really proud to be in this partnership with Coastal Community College, and we are glad they are happy about the kind of training they get here.”

According to Al-Hayek, the current Surgical Technology Program at CCCC has a 100% pass rate of students taking national certification. In the future, CCCC will offer an Associate Degree Program for Surgical Technologists. Following completion of clinical training and graduation, students will seek employment in the surgical field or can continue their education in other related career opportunities such as materials management positions and surgery scheduler.

Navy Personnel Command holds change of command

By MC3 Jared Catlett

Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn.

Rear Adm. Alvin Holsey relieved Rear Adm. Jeff Hughes as Commander, Navy Personnel Command (NPC) during a change of command ceremony held here Jan. 8.

The ceremony took place with a limited number of guests in attendance to ensure COVID-19 mitigation precautions, but more than 500 people attended virtually through the live stream on social media and official video teleconferencing platforms.

Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. John Nowell addressed participants, guests and those watching virtually at the change of command ceremony and expressed his gratitude for Hughes accomplishments.

“Hughes was the perfect person for this job,” said Nowell, “He not only rose to the challenge, he surpassed all expectations. I am honored to sing some of your praise here at the change

of command ceremony.”

Hughes led a team of more than 2,000 officers, Sailors, civilians and contractors during his tour at NPC from March 2018 to January 2021. He will report as the director of Warfare Development (OPNAV N7) for his follow on tour.

“We have set the conditions to design, develop, and deliver an enhanced and modern talent management system,” said Hughes. “From developmental coaching and data rich assessment selection processes to steady and rapidly increasing progress towards fueling a true talent marketplace; we are moving the needle toward better talent identification and placement to ensure our Navy’s ability to maintain our advantage at sea.”

Holsey is reporting to NPC after completing successful flag officer assignments as Commander, Carrier Strike Group One and subsequently as the Director, Task Force One Navy under the Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP).

MCC Michael Russell Rear Admiral Jeffrey Hughes speaks to guests during a change of command ceremony, Jan. 8.

Rear Admiral Jeffrey Hughes was relieved by Rear Admiral Alvin Holsey as commander, Navy Personnel Command.

“To the men and women of the Navy Personnel Command I am honored today to stand before you as your leader,” said Holsey, “Much has been written and said about leadership. My commitment to you is simple, I will give you everything that I have and I will lead you. In return I will only ask for one

thing and that’s your personal best.”

NPC’s mission is to leverage an inspirational culture to man the Fleet with ready Sailors to allow America’s Navy to assure mission success, and deliver unprecedented quality of service for Sailors to thrive in a life-changing experience.

Commander,Navy Region Mid-Atlantic(CNRMA): Rear Adm.Charles W. “Chip”Rock Regional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA):

Public AffairsDirector | Beth Baker

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A3 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

Courtesy graphic The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is the Department of the Navy corporate laboratory, and it reports to the Chief of Naval Research. As the corporate laboratory of the Navy, NRL is the principal in-house component in the Office of Naval Research (ONR) effort to meet its science and technology responsibilities. NRL has had a long and fruitful relationship with industry as a collaborator, contractor, and through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs). NRL values this linkage and continues to develop it. NRL is an important link in the Navy Research, Development, and Acquisition (RDA) chain. Through NRL, the Navy has direct ties with sources of fundamental ideas in industry and the academic community throughout the world and provides an effective coupling point to the RD chain for ONR.

NRL announces executive leadership appointments

By Victor Chen

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Public Affairs

WASHINGTON

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory today announced the following executive leadership appointments: Stephen Meier, Ph.D., as director of the Naval Center for Space Technology.

NCST’s core mission is to develop innovative basic and applied research through advanced development of spacecraft technology and ground command and

control stations.

Stanley Chincheck, as superintendent of the Information Technology Division.

ITD is responsible for conception, planning, and execution of research and development programs in the major areas of artificial intelligence and intelligent autonomy, information assurance and software development, networking and communications, knowledge management and decision support, and cybersecurity.

Virginia DeGiorgi, Ph.D., as superin-

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Brian Houston, Ph.D., as superintendent of the Acoustics Division. Acoustics

research spans classical through quantum physics with a focus in five strategic research areas: ocean and atmospheric acoustics, physical and structural acoustics, undersea signal processing, autonomous and distributed systems, and advanced materials for undersea warfare.

“I am confident our new leaders at NRL will lead their divisions in continuing to deliver strategically important basic and applied research for the Department of Navy that will lead to technological innovation and the development of disruptive technologies of importance to the Department”, said Bruce Danly, Ph.D., NRL’s Director of Research. “And I know they will position NRL’s research portfolio to be relevant and provide a high ROI to the department for decades to come.”

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A4 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

MC1 Diana Quinlan From left to right, Lt. Michael Sparrow, Navy chaplain, Cmdr. Todd Winn, prospective commanding office, Cmdr. Kemi Elebute, commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, and Chief Yeoman George Whittaker salute during the national anthem as part of a change of command ceremony, Jan. 5.

NTAG Philadelphia holds a virtual change of command ceremony

By MC1 Diana Quinlan

Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia Public Affairs

PHILADELPHIA

Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Philadelphia held a virtual change of command ceremony at the command’s headquarters located at Naval Support Activity Philadelphia, Jan. 5.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Todd Winn relieved Cmdr.

Kemi Elebute, who had served as NTAG Philadelphia’s executive officer since December 2017 and commanding officer since May 2019.

Unlike traditional change of command ceremonies held with all hands present, NTAG Philadelphia recruiters and Navy Recruiting Command leaders attended the ceremony virtually, following the COVID-19 regulations and subscribing to a teleworking directive preventative measures, including social distancing and travel restrictions. Capt. Katrina Hill, commodore of Navy Recruiting Region East, presided over the virtual ceremony.

Elebute thanked his Sailors and encouraged the team to

continue to strive for excellence as the new commanding officer takes charge.

“I remain honored and humbled to be standing here today as your commanding officer, I couldn’t have asked for a better team,” said Elebute. “My tour here has been the highlight of my naval career. You are an exceptional group of professionals who continue to exceed expectations despite the challenges of recruiting with limited resources, recruiting in a COVID-19 environment, or just recruiting in the Philly AOR. So team, continue to impress with your ability to overcome challenges, help each other and work as a team towards command objectives. And as I turn over command to Cmdr. Todd Winn, I have no doubt you will continue to impress and do your part to man the fleet!”

During the ceremony, Elebute, whose following tour will be at Program Executive Officer Unmanned and Small Combatants, Washington DC, received the Meritorious Service Medal for his performance as commanding officer and was presented with a traditional parting gift and symbol of NTAG Philadelphia - a liberty bell.

Winn officially assumed the title of commanding officer

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after orders were read and salutes rendered. In his speech, Winn shared his command philosophy and views on the future of the command and its Sailors.

“Normally, new commanding officers are afforded a “shakedown” period to get to know their command and its personnel, but COVID adds additional challenges to make this happen, and our ceremony attests to that,” said Winn, addressing all hands on screen. “But as I learn more about you, my team, I wish to share something about me. I embrace teamwork, a strong sense of command pride, individual purpose within the command and mission completion, as to our communities, to our future Sailors, we are the window into the Navy. I am a member of NTAG Philadelphia first, and all other demographics second, and I promise to give you my very best as your commanding officer as I ask the same from each of you in return. We are one team, and your efforts are critical to our success.”

NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, NewJersey,Delaware,MarylandandWestVirginia,providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites.

Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, three Navy Recruiting Regions, 26 NTAGs and 64 Talent Acquisition Onboarding Centers (TAOCs) that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations around the world. Their mission is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.

A5 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

Top tech students find future at NAVSUP Business Systems Center

By James Foehl and Thomas Zimmerman

NAVSUP Business Systems Center Public Affairs

MECHANICSBURG, Pa.

Fourteen students selected for employment at Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Business Systems Center (BSC) through the Department of Defense (DOD) Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP) completed a virtual command orientation, January 7.

The orientation was the first of a two-part program designed to familiarize and acclimate the students with civil service at NAVSUP BSC. This is the second group of students to go through the first phase of orientation since January 2020.

NAVSUP BSC has hired five full-time employees through the DOD CySP in the information technology (IT) fields. Six more students are expected to start work following graduation in May. “Recruiting, developing, and retaining a highly-skilled civilian workforce is essential to accomplishing our mission,” said Brian Zirbel, executive director, NAVSUP BSC. “The DOD CySP is an indispensable tool that helps us recruit new, qualified candidates with the right talent and motivation to complement our current team of IT experts.”

During the orientation, NAVSUP BSC leadership addressed students and answered questions.

“You are exactly what NAVSUP BSC needs as we move forward with new technologies and face new challenges.

We need the skills that you possess,” said Capt. Gene Cash, commanding officer, NAVSUP BSC, during the orientation. “Congratulations on your selection for this program.”

Students participating in the orientation completed preemployment paperwork, received a DOD employee benefits brief, and learned more about NAVSUP BSC from current directors and employees.

“I learned how the various codes work at NAVSUP BSC and how they help support the Navy and its mission to protect our country,” said Jacob Neulight, orientation participant and student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

“Even though a large organization like NAVSUP can seem intimidating, it is made up of very personable and helpful individuals. I am looking forward to getting to know my coworkers and supervisors better.”

Later this year, students will participate in the second phase of orientation by completing a 10-week summer session that includes administrative processing, training, and an IT group project.

“I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect when I came for the orientation sessions,” said Joshua Griffith, a recent hire through DOD CySP now serving as a systems

Thomas Zimmerman Lt. Nana Bonsu, project officer, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Business Systems Center (BSC), discusses how the Navy resupplies ships at sea during an orientation session for 11 Pennsylvania college students selected for the Department of Defense Cybersecurity Scholarship Program. The program is designed to recruit and retain top cyber talent who have the skills necessary to meet DOD cyber requirements and help secure the nation against threats of information systems and networks.

administrator for NAVSUP BSC. “Being part of a team and working on the project helped put me at ease. I see that what we do here affects people all around the world. I’m happy to serve my country, even if it’s in a small way. It’s a lot of responsibility and I take that seriously.”

After completion of the two-part orientation, graduating students are hired as full-time employees. Senior-year students return to college to finish academic requirements.

The DOD CySP is sponsored by the DOD Chief Information Officer and administered by the National Security Agency to recruit and retain cyber and IT specialists.

“It’s a six-month service commitment to the DOD for each semester students receive tuition, stipend, book allowance, and a paid summer internship,” said Kelly Nave, coordinator for the DOD CySP orientation at NAVSUP BSC. To apply for the program, students must be enrolled in an institution certified as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. Applicants must submit a package to the DOD CySP program office that includes university sponsor signoff, resume, transcripts, essay response, and two letters of recommendation. Packages are due in February each year to be considered for the scholarship starting in the fall semester.

The 14 students who completed NAVSUP BSC’s January

orientation session came from regional colleges and universities, including Bloomsburg University, Carnegie Mellon University, Farleigh Dickinson University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, Robert Morris University, and Towson University.

“Bringing students onboard from different colleges helps us diversify our workforce by blending multiple disciplines of learning and thought,” said Zirbel. “This program affords us an opportunity and means to attract, engage, and hire some of the best and brightest IT college graduates the region has to offer.”

NAVSUP BSC provides the Navy with information systems support through the design, development, and maintenance of systems in the functional areas of logistics, supply chain management, transportation, finance, and accounting and is one of 11 commands under Commander, NAVSUP. NAVSUP is headquartered in Mechanicsburg and employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP’s mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter.

For more information about NAVSUP BSC, visit https:// www.navsup.navy.mil/public/navsup/bsc/.

For more information on the DOD CySP, visit https:// public.cyber.mil/cysp/.

Amidst pandemic NEPMU-2 finds ways to serve most vulnerable citizens during holiday season From Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Public Affairs NORFOLK

Sailors of Navy Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit Two (NEPMU-2) not only support the public health needs of military members within the Atlantic and European regions but also use their expertise to support the local community and disadvantaged.

The Global pandemic of 2020 put many of these Sailors on the front lines to help aid in the fight. This significantly reduced their ability to participate in volunteer events such as preventive health and sporting events, and food drives to name a few. But the previous winners of the Project Good Neighbor

Award were not deterred.

This holiday season, in keeping with CDC guidelines, as a registered AdoptA-Spot partner with Keep Norfolk Beautiful, NEPMU-2 Sailors collected more than 100 pounds of trash. They also donated up to 200 pounds of nonperishable food items to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and assisted Operation Homefront, in collecting up to 1150 pounds of children’s toys and donated an additional 1110 pounds of toys to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive.

When it comes to public health, NEPMU-2 Sailors understand the significant role of community service programs which help to restore hope to Hamptons Roads area and surrounding communities.

Courtesy graphic

TOGETHER WE WIN 52,000 IN 52 WEEKS TO 52 WORTHY CHARITIES

$

“The Historical Foundation of Aberdeen Gardens, Inc. sincerely appreciates Rosie’s generous support.

We will dedicate the funds to developing a new Aberdeen Gardens Historical Museum website that encourages museum visitation. Visitors to Aberdeen have the unique opportunity to learn about Aberdeen community life in the 1930s from Aberdeen residents and volunteers.”

Margaret Wilson

President, The Historical Foundation of Aberdeen Gardens, Inc.

Every week in 2021 we will award a local charity from a community in which we operate a donation of $1,000.

Helping those communities around us is at the core of our operational philosophy. We truly believe that high tides raise all ships and we are determined to add value to the communities in which we operate.

Through the charitable program, Rosie’s Gives Back, Colonial Downs Group has made monetary donations of more than $810,000, in-kind donations of more than $160,000, and has logged over 1,100 service hours in Virginia communities.

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A6 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

MC1 Sarah Villegas Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday receives the COVID-19 vaccine as part of Operation Warp Speed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Dec. 21, 2020. Operation Warp Speed is a national initiative to accelerate the development, production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

Additional naval military treatment facilities receiving COVID-19 vaccine From BUMED Public Affairs FALLS CHURCH, Va.

A total of more than 25 Naval Military Treatment Facilities on Navy and Marine Corps facilities around the world have received COVID-19 vaccines as a continuation of the “Controlled Pilot,” or first phase, of the DOD COVID-19 vaccination plan.

As it is still early in the COVID-19 vaccination program, there is a finite supply of COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination distribution prioritization within the Department of Defense (DoD) is consistent with data-driven CDC guidance for national prioritization. The Navy remains in the first phase of the vaccine distribution plan.

Receiving the vaccine is voluntary and the initial doses are being offered to healthcare providers, healthcare support personnel as well as emergency services and public safety personnel.

Prioritized Navy personnel are highly encouraged to get the vaccine to protect their health, their families, their community, and lower the public health risks associ-

ated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Simply put, I recommend you get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is offered to you,“ said Rear Adm. Bruce Gillingham, Surgeon General of the Navy. ”To do so is to share the trust that CNO and I have that the vaccines are safe and that receiving them is essential to maintaining our readiness and our ability to do the critically important work of the U.S. Navy. Following the extremely stringent requirements and clinical trials required by the Food and Drug Administration and cutting no corners in the approval process, we now have the essential weapons to defeat this relentless virus.”

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith recently noted after getting the vaccine, “This vaccine protects not just ourselves, but our family, friends and shipmates. COVID-19 is an insidious enemy. I opted in with Admiral Gilday and our Navy Medicine Surgeon General to show that I have confidence in the extensive research and scientific rigor that went into this endeavor.”

LOOKING AHEAD As manufacturers continue to produce

vaccine and the CDC allocates additional doses to the Department of Defense, the number of individuals offered the vaccine will grow. The DoD expects to move into an “Expanded Distribution” phase during which will offer vaccines to additional essential workers and critical national capabilities and personnel preparing to deploy, as well as high-risk populations will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

The timeline for further expansion into a “Saturation” phase in which healthy populations will be eligible for the vaccine will be dependent on the volume of vaccine manufacturers can produce and the allotments available to the DoD and subsequently the Navy.

DoD expects to continue to distribute and administer vaccines through this phased approach until 60% of DoD’s 11.1 million personnel have received the vaccine, at which time DoD anticipates vaccine manufacturing rates to support fullscale, unrestricted vaccine distribution and administration to Department personnel in the same way the Department conducts its annual influenza vaccine program.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

There is a lot of information out there and it can sometimes be difficult to sort through it all. Links below are provided to help reach specific information for those interested.

DOD Vaccination Plan and Population Schema: https://media.defense.gov/2020/ Dec/09/2002548827/-1/-1/0/DODCOVID-19-VACCINE-DISTRIBUTIONPLAN-AND-POPULATIONSCHEMA.PDF Department of Defense Statement on COVID-19 Distribution Plan: https:// www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/ Release/Article/2460496/department-ofdefense-statement-on-covid-19-distribution-plan/ FDA COVID-19 Vaccine Page: https:// www.fda.gov/emergency-preparednessand-response/coronavirus-disease-2019covid-19/covid-19-vaccines CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Page: https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ vaccines/index.html Pfizer-BioNTech COVID 19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers: https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers: https:// www.fda.gov/media/144638/download CDC Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination: https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ vaccines/faq.html

NMCP’s Pharmacy Call Center “answers the call” in response to COVID-19 pandemic

By MC2 Kris Lindstrom

Naval Medical Center - Portsmouth Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH

It’s just another day in the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth’s (NMCP) Pharmacy Call Center where staff members answer hundreds of calls a day to initiate and verify prescriptions to one of the densest populations of military beneficiaries during a global pandemic.

The Pharmacy Call Center was established prior to the pandemic to alleviate wait times in the clinic while also providing beneficiaries with a one-stop-shop to answer questions and transfer prescriptions to the convenient locations for the patient pick up.

“The Pharmacy Call Center was first initiated as an extension of customer service for the patient,” said Sheila Maxwell, an NMCP pharmacist and call center manager. “In 2018, we opened the call center for patients to call us and we would initiate their prescriptions over the phone, and then they just have to come in and pick it up. It shortened the wait time and provided customer service for the patient to foster a better patient experience.”

The call center simply took the first half of the process and provided an option to do that part over the phone rather than wait in the Pharmacy’s waiting area to initiate a prescription.

“We take the requests from patients and we are able to initiate their prescriptions over the phone before they get to the clinic,” Maxwell said. “We don’t want to have a large amount of people waiting in the lobby. So they call it in, we initiate it, and then a pharmacist will check it.”

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pharmacy Call Center was already established and had a foundation that was no longer just a convenience, it was heavily relied on due to social distancing and COVID-19 precautions and protocols.

MC2 Kris Lindstrom Sheila Maxwell, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) pharmacist and NMCP Pharmacy Call Center manager, works with a patient, Jan. 8. NMCP Pharmacy Call Center was established prior to the pandemic to alleviate wait times in the clinic while also providing beneficiaries a one-stop-shop to answer questions and transfer prescriptions to the convenient locations for patient pick up.

“When COVID-19 hit, we went from doing about 2,500 prescriptions a month to more than 12-thousand,” Maxwell said. “Things got really hectic so we had to start borrowing staff from the slower clinics to come over to help us.”

The Pharmacy Call Center receives more than 400 calls a day and continues to provide expedient and efficient options for military beneficiaries in the Hampton Roads area.

“I think it is a great benefit, I am very passionate about it,” Maxwell said. “Everyone wants to get their prescriptions in the shortest time possible and in the way that is

the most convenient. I think the call center provides that.”

As the U.S. Navy’s oldest, continuously-operating military hospital since 1830, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth proudly serves past and present military members and their families. The nationally-acclaimed, state-of-the-art medical center, along with the area’s 10 branch health and TRICARE Prime Clinics, provide care for the Hampton Roads area. The medical center also supports premier research and teaching programs designed to prepare new doctors, nurses and hospital corpsman for future roles in healing and wellness.

A7 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

CIWT |

IWTC Virginia Beach Sailors recognized as CIWT domain-wide Instructors of the Year ContinuedfromA1 the missions which he or she will take part in after their time at IWTC Virginia Beach.

Additionally, both instructors have taken on the many challenges brought on by COVID-19 by enforcing IWTC Virginia Beach’s safety as first priority through increased healthy-safety measures while simultaneously managing increased course loads for existing curriculum.

As an instructor who is dedicated to providing quality instruction for all students, Dick shared, “I am extremely grateful to have been elected the CIWT domain JIOY. It is our duty as instructors to do everything we can to provide the best instruction possible to every Sailor that sits in our desks. To create successful Sailors and technicians, we must avoid hitting the, ‘I believe button.’ We must be honest with ourselves and our students if we don’t know something and be sure to put in the work to find those difficult answers, otherwise, we’ll never grow.”

Selflessly dedicating her award to her students and colleagues, Lt. Gotliboski stated, “I am both extremely humbled and honored to be named CIWT domain IOY. I truly owe this honor to my students, my

| Submarine Force Atlantic announces Battle “E” winners WINNERS

ContinuedfromA1 unit of the Atlantic Submarine Force, and is based on a yearlong evaluation.

“These awards should be a source of great pride to each and every crew member,” said Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, Submarine Forces (SUBFOR).

“Congratulations to our Battle “E” winners! And even more important, congratulations to every submariner in the world’s greatest Submarine Force. Our Sailors are extraordinary warriors who bring our combat ships to life with a culture of excellence.”

The 2020 SUBLANT Battle “E” award winners are: USS Minnesota (SSN 783), assigned to Submarine Squadron (SUBRON 4); USS John Warner (SSN 785), assigned to SUBRON 6; USS Newport News (SSN 750), assigned to SUBRON 12; USS Georgia (SSGN 729) (Blue), assigned to SUBRON 16; and

fellow instructors, and my chain of command for their continued support, mentorship, and guidance especially during such an unprecedented year of trail and tribulations for us all.”

Both instructors will move on to now compete in the Naval Education and Training Command’s Junior and Officer Instructors of the Year competition, to be named in the coming months.

IWTC Virginia Beach currently offers 59 courses of instruction in information technology, cryptology, and intelligence with an instructor and support staff of 230 military, civilian, and contract members who train over 6,600 students every year at 5 training sites in the Hampton Roads area. It is one of four school houses for Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) and also oversees learning sites at Jacksonville and Mayport, Florida; Kings Bay, Georgia; and Groton, Connecticut to continue aligning Information Warfare community training.

With four schoolhouse commands, a detachment, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT trains over 22,000 students every year, delivering trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and officers in the information warfare community.

For more news from the Center for Information Warfare Training domain, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/CIWT, www.facebook.com/NavyCIWT, or www.twitter.com/NavyCIWT.

USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) (Blue) (Gold), assigned to SUBRON 20.

The SUBFOR Battle “E” award instruction was updated in May 2019 to build on the combat culture and strengthen the emphasis on the warfighting mission. While the overall warfighting readiness of a crew is the main criterion of the award, other criteria were updated in the instruction as well. These criteria include mission accomplishment, turning self-assessment into improvement, warfighting and tactical innovation, and resiliency in executing ship’s schedule.

Commands including all types of submarines, submarine tenders, submarine development squadrons, Integrated Undersea Surveillance Systems, and special categories such as ships in dry dock are eligible for the award if they meet the minimum requirements.

The U.S. Submarine Force provides the training, logistical plans, manpower and operational support to maintain the ability of the Force to respond to both peacetime and wartime demands while ensuring the U.S. Navy maintains undersea superiority into the future.

Courtesy photo Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jaron Dick, an instructor attached to Information Warfare Training Command Virginia Beach, was selected as the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) domain-wide Junior Instructor of the Year for 2020.

| Secretary of the Navy visits NOSC Newport, MSRON 8 NOSC NEWPORT

ContinuedfromA1 their current operations and initiatives.

“Our command’s number one priority is ensuring warfighting readiness,” said Cmdr. Aleksei Razsadin, NOSC Newport commanding officer, during a tour of the NOSC’s facilities. “We were honored to have the opportunity to show the secretary how we work together to ensure that all ‘Team Newport’ Reserve Sailors are ready to answer the Nation’s call at a moment’s notice.”

NOSC Newport serves as the readiness generation center for their Navy Reserve Sailors, ensuring mobilization and warfighting readiness. NOSC Newport supports over 500 Reserve Sailors and the families of those deployed in support of military operations worldwide. The Navy Reserve Force has 122 NOSCs stationed across the globe.

During the visit, Braithwaite presented several awards to Navy Reserve medical professionals who mobilized to support

COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts onboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) and at the Javits Center in New York City. He also awarded Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals to the 2020 NOSC Newport Sailors of the Year.

“Our team was thrilled to host the secretary and introduce him to our incredible Sailors,” said Capt. John Ouellette, commanding officer, MSRON 8.

“Our Sailors are specialized to provide a wide-range of maritime security capabilities to operational commanders. In fact, right now MSRON 8 Charlie Company Sailors are currently forward-deployed supporting operations in U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Central Command.”

The Navy’s Maritime Expeditionary Security Force’s mission, which includes MSRON 8, is to reinforce Navy lethality and support the Navy-Marine Corps team in naval power projection ashore.

During the visit, all COVID-19 precautions were strictly followed and enforced. The number of participants were also limited to ensure social distancing.

For more information regarding the Navy Reserve, please go to www.navyreserve.navy.mil.

For more military news visit FlagshipNews.com

A8 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

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CyberWeek catchingfire nationwide

Since joining NRL’sCorporate Communications teamSamina Mondal hasspearheaded virtual cybersecurity seminars inclassrooms near Washington,D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland.

SeeB6

SECTION B | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | 1.14.2021

MC2 Kelby Sanders Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Ellysan Roe, left, from Chicago, collects a nasal swab sample from Operations Specialist 2nd Class Alec Cervana, from Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., for COVID-19 testing aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18).

Service members executing overseas orders must test negative for COVID-19 prior to flying From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn.

All Sailors and family members executing outside the continental United States (OCONUS) travel orders are required to have a negative Coronavirus test prior to travel, according to NAVADMIN 03/21 released Jan. 7, 2021.

Many countries are now requiring negative test results for service members before arrival. Testing is the responsibility of the service member, and they must determine their individual requirements based upon their destination location by referring to the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) and their airline’s policy.

OCONUS travelers must have a negative viral COVID-19 test (molecular or antigen) within 72 hours of embarkation. An antigen test may be used for testing prior to travel when a molecular test (such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Abbott ID NOW) is not available. However, a molecular test is the preferred test prior to travel.

If the destination location requires a specific test, test timing, or test result format, travelers must follow the stricter requirement.

Once tested, service members must have their test results in hand with time left before expiration prior to arrival at the next destination.

Sailors or family members who test positive for COVID-19 while executing OCONUS orders must stop

and execute restriction of movement (ROM) procedures. If a test is positive, Sailors should contact the MyNavy Career Center (MNCC), where an agent will take appropriate action to notify the Sailor’s detailer and Navy Passenger Transportation Office (NAVPTO). Sailors should communicate with their detailer and the NAVPTO to discuss orders modifications and future travel arrangements, if needed.

Travelers with valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination are currently not exempt from the testing requirement. Vaccinated travelers should only rely on molecular-based tests because they may be at higher risk of a false positive with an antigen test.

Service members and their families can get free testing at a military treatment facility (MTF), but tests must be scheduled prior to arrival and OCONUS orders are required. Test results will be delivered within 24 hours after testing.

Preferred Military Treatment Facility Locations/Phone Contact/Testing Hours Available (Pacific) · Camp Pendleton, CA, (760) 685-3537, 24/7 testing 

See TESTING | B7

Under Secretary presents awards to WWII veteran

By Lt. Ashley E. Nekoui, Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs WASHINGTON

MC2 Alexander Kubitza Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite speaks during an award ceremony for Navy Chaplain Lt. Thomas M. Conway at the Basilica of Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, Conn. Conway was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic efforts aboard the USS Indianapolis (CA 35) when it was attacked and sunk by an enemy submarine in 1945.

Navy posthumously awards Navy Cross to WWII chaplain From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs WASHINGTON

Seventy-five years after the end of the war in the Pacific, the Department of the Navy posthumously awarded the Navy Cross to a revered World War II Chaplain during a ceremony Jan. 8 in his native city of Waterbury, Connecti-

cut.

Lt. Thomas M. Conway, a Catholic priest, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps’ second-highest military decoration for valor for extraordinary heroism from July 30 to August 2, 1945 while serving as Chaplain of the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA-35). 

See CHAPLAIN | B7

Seventy-six years after serving in the Pacific, a World War II veteran was honored in an awards ceremony presided over by Under Secretary of the Navy (performing the duties of), Gregory J. Slavonic, at the Bradley International Airport’s Air National Guard hanger in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Jan. 4.

Daniel Crowley was awarded an honorary Combat Infantryman Badge in recognition of his actions in the Philippines while fighting against the Japanese, as well as a Prisoner of War Medal. Crowley was also promoted to the rank of sergeant, after attaining the rank but never being formally advanced.

“Grace under fire. Calm under pressure. Easy words to use in the quiet of an auditorium. It is another thing entirely to demonstrate these qualities in the face of a determined enemy,” said Slavonic, as he addressed the attendees. “It takes a very special person to continue to persevere through the most daunting of circumstances. It takes a certain depth of character to put yourself into harm’s way for your fellow warriors and for your country.”

Crowley was just 18 when he enlisted with the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was hoping to “take a long trip somewhere at the expense of our country,” he said. His initial duty station would find him in Manila in March 1941, assigned to Nichols Field.

Nine months later, the Japanese attacked Nichols Field, shortly after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Crowley and his unit participated in an improvised air defense of this location but despite their best efforts, most of the aircraft and 

See AWARDS | B7

CyberWeek catchingfire nationwide

Since joining NRL’sCorporate Communications teamSamina Mondal hasspearheaded virtual cybersecurity seminars inclassrooms near Washington,D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland.

SeeB6

SECTION B | FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM | 1.14.2021

MC2 Kelby Sanders Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Ellysan Roe, left, from Chicago, collects a nasal swab sample from Operations Specialist 2nd Class Alec Cervana, from Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., for COVID-19 testing aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18).

Service members executing overseas orders must test negative for COVID-19 prior to flying From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn.

All Sailors and family members executing outside the continental United States (OCONUS) travel orders are required to have a negative Coronavirus test prior to travel, according to NAVADMIN 03/21 released Jan. 7, 2021.

Many countries are now requiring negative test results for service members before arrival. Testing is the responsibility of the service member, and they must determine their individual requirements based upon their destination location by referring to the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) and their airline’s policy.

OCONUS travelers must have a negative viral COVID-19 test (molecular or antigen) within 72 hours of embarkation. An antigen test may be used for testing prior to travel when a molecular test (such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Abbott ID NOW) is not available. However, a molecular test is the preferred test prior to travel.

If the destination location requires a specific test, test timing, or test result format, travelers must follow the stricter requirement.

Once tested, service members must have their test results in hand with time left before expiration prior to arrival at the next destination.

Sailors or family members who test positive for COVID-19 while executing OCONUS orders must stop

and execute restriction of movement (ROM) procedures. If a test is positive, Sailors should contact the MyNavy Career Center (MNCC), where an agent will take appropriate action to notify the Sailor’s detailer and Navy Passenger Transportation Office (NAVPTO). Sailors should communicate with their detailer and the NAVPTO to discuss orders modifications and future travel arrangements, if needed.

Travelers with valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination are currently not exempt from the testing requirement. Vaccinated travelers should only rely on molecular-based tests because they may be at higher risk of a false positive with an antigen test.

Service members and their families can get free testing at a military treatment facility (MTF), but tests must be scheduled prior to arrival and OCONUS orders are required. Test results will be delivered within 24 hours after testing.

Preferred Military Treatment Facility Locations/Phone Contact/Testing Hours Available (Pacific) · Camp Pendleton, CA, (760) 685-3537, 24/7 testing 

See TESTING | B7

Under Secretary presents awards to WWII veteran

By Lt. Ashley E. Nekoui, Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs WASHINGTON

MC2 Alexander Kubitza Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite speaks during an award ceremony for Navy Chaplain Lt. Thomas M. Conway at the Basilica of Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, Conn. Conway was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic efforts aboard the USS Indianapolis (CA 35) when it was attacked and sunk by an enemy submarine in 1945.

Navy posthumously awards Navy Cross to WWII chaplain From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs WASHINGTON

Seventy-five years after the end of the war in the Pacific, the Department of the Navy posthumously awarded the Navy Cross to a revered World War II Chaplain during a ceremony Jan. 8 in his native city of Waterbury, Connecti-

cut.

Lt. Thomas M. Conway, a Catholic priest, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps’ second-highest military decoration for valor for extraordinary heroism from July 30 to August 2, 1945 while serving as Chaplain of the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA-35). 

See CHAPLAIN | B7

Seventy-six years after serving in the Pacific, a World War II veteran was honored in an awards ceremony presided over by Under Secretary of the Navy (performing the duties of), Gregory J. Slavonic, at the Bradley International Airport’s Air National Guard hanger in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Jan. 4.

Daniel Crowley was awarded an honorary Combat Infantryman Badge in recognition of his actions in the Philippines while fighting against the Japanese, as well as a Prisoner of War Medal. Crowley was also promoted to the rank of sergeant, after attaining the rank but never being formally advanced.

“Grace under fire. Calm under pressure. Easy words to use in the quiet of an auditorium. It is another thing entirely to demonstrate these qualities in the face of a determined enemy,” said Slavonic, as he addressed the attendees. “It takes a very special person to continue to persevere through the most daunting of circumstances. It takes a certain depth of character to put yourself into harm’s way for your fellow warriors and for your country.”

Crowley was just 18 when he enlisted with the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was hoping to “take a long trip somewhere at the expense of our country,” he said. His initial duty station would find him in Manila in March 1941, assigned to Nichols Field.

Nine months later, the Japanese attacked Nichols Field, shortly after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Crowley and his unit participated in an improvised air defense of this location but despite their best efforts, most of the aircraft and 

See AWARDS | B7

HeroesatHome The Flagship | www.flagshipnews.com | 1.14.2021 | B2

My ship is making a change of homeport. What is my control date?

The controldate willbe the earlierof either: —The datethe dependents movetothe new homeport andapply for housingafter officialannouncementof the homeport change,or —The effectivedate of homeport change

paul fisher

Are we on the cusp of another UFO craze?

By Lisa Smith Molinari

I dug my slippered heels into our shag carpet and bore deeper into my limegreen vinyl bean bag chair, thoroughly terrified but unable to avert my widened eyes from our console television. The riveting hypnosis scene from the 1975 television movie “The UFO Incident” starring James Earl Jones was imprinting itself permanently into my impressionable eleven-year-old brain.

The memory still gives me the willies, 43 years later.

The movie depicted the real-life story of Betty and Barney Hill, an average New Hampshire couple who, while driving home from a holiday in Niagara falls on a dark lonely road, claimed to have been briefly abducted, then medically examined, by aliens. In the hypnosis scene, Barney (played by Jones) cries out as he recalls horrifying details buried by traumatic amnesia.

Some researchers hypothesize that stories of alien abductions like Betty and Barney Hill’s gained traction in the 1980s due to media coverage of new reproductive technologies and controversial human experimentation. Others believe that reports of UFO sightings and alien encounters, which began in the 1950s, were simply “cultural mass hysteria” brought on by fear of Cold War nuclear destruction.

Like others of my generation, I remember conspiracy theories about UFOs crashing in Roswell, New Mexico and alien autopsies at Area 51. At the movie

theater, I saw “Star Wars,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Alien,” and “E.T. the Extraterrestrial.” I said “Nanunanu” like Robin William’s alien character in “Mork and Mindy.” I watched “The Jetsons” after school, and giggled when little green Gazoo appeared on “The Flintstones.” I nibbled Pillsbury Space Food Sticks and slurped Tang because that’s what astronauts did.

When you consider our cultural influences, it’s no wonder we were alienobsessed back then. But, will recent developments in science and technology reconstitute media attention and public suspicions about intelligent life beyond Earth? Are we on the cusp of another UFO craze?

This month, Harvard’s long-time Astronomy Department Chair, Avi Loeb, publishes his new book Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth, in which he hypothesizes that an interstellar object named Oumuamua which passed through our solar system in 2017 was actually a hunk of alien equipment.

Last month, it was reported that astronomers from the Breakthrough Listen Project, which attempts to detect stray or intentional alien broadcasts, discovered a narrow beam of intriguing radio waves (BLC1) coming from the direction of Proxima Centauri, the nearest star to the Sun. The transmission, which was picked up by the Parkes Telescope in Australia, is the first beam NOT believed to originate from human-made interference or natural sources. In other words, astrono-

mers believe it may have come from intelligent life.

To complicate matters, new technologies will put more flying objects that could be confused as UFOs into the sky.

The United States military currently operates more than 11,000 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS or “drones”) in support of domestic training events and overseas contingency missions. Military drones — performing secret surveillance/ reconnaissance, situational awareness, weapons delivery, and battle damage assessment — range in size from the handheld RQ-11B Raven to the largest 32,000 pound RQ/MQ-4 Global Hawk/Triton, and fly training missions in specially designated U.S. airspace.

Also, the commercial drone industry has limited approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to develop drone fleets to expedite deliveries of small packages to consumers. Commercial drones fly between 200-400 feet overhead and are equipped with anticollision lights at night. This rapidly growing industry currently has 1.7 million registered drones and 203,000 FAAcertified remote pilots.

With so many flying objects in our airspace and new scientific evidence supporting intelligent life beyond Earth, how are average citizens supposed to know whether the lights they see in the sky are aliens coming to abduct them or just a flying package of K-cups from Amazon?

As for me, I won’t be looking for flying saucers, because I’ll be too busy binging the next alien-themed television series on Netflix, making trips to the nearest Planetarium, and rereading Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time. Who knows, maybe Pillsbury will bring back Space Food Sticks?

Dare to dream.

Tax Breaks for Families with Special Needs From Military Opensource

If you are filing taxes on behalf of yourself or a family member with special needs, you may be eligible for certain tax breaks.

Tax-filing tips Here are some tips for military families with members who have special needs: • Claim all eligible dependents. If you have a family member who is permanently and totally disabled, you may be able to claim them as a dependent, regardless of age.

Read IRS Publication 501.

• Explore the adoption credit. If you have adopted a child with special needs, you may be eligible for a credit. You may also be able to exclude employer-provided adoption benefits from your income. See IRS Tax Topic 607.

• Try to recoup child and dependent care expenses. If you pay for child or dependent care so you can work or look for work, you may be eligible for a credit of up to 35% of your expenses. Care of children under the age of 13 qualifies, as does paid care of a spouse or other dependent who is not able to care for himself or herself. Read IRS Publication 503.

• Explore the Earned Income Tax Credit.

You may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit on behalf of a family member who is permanently and totally disabled.

This can be a son, daughter, adopted child, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, step-

MC2 Daniel Young U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Charles Harris, assigned to the USS Freedom (LCS 1), embraces his daughter during a homecoming celebration at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Calif., Aug. 7, 2013.

brother, stepsister, half brother, half sister or their descendant. See IRS Publication 596.

• Explore the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. If you or a family member is retired, on permanent and total disability, and under age 65, you may qualify for the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. You can take the credit only if you file Form 1040 or 1040A. Read IRS Publication 524.

• Find out whether you can claim medical and dental expenses. Depending on how much you spend on medical care including equipment, supplies and diagnostic devices, you may be able to deduct a portion from your taxes. Read IRS Publication 502.

• Understand education-related tax incentives. The Center for Parent Information and Resources can help you explore the relation-

ship between school vouchers, education savings accounts and tax incentives and the implications and considerations for students with disabilities.

Educate yourself on the tax breaks you and your family may be eligible for.

Through Military OneSource MilTax, you can receive year-round access to tax consultants who have extensive knowledge of the tax benefits for military members and families. During tax season, access the free MilTax preparation and e-filing software to maximize your refund and get everything you’ve earned. You can also access special needs consultations through Military OneSource by calling 800-342-9647. OCONUS/International?

Click here for calling options.

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B3 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

Navy awards $990 million Government of Japan-funded multiple award construction contract for work in the Pacific

By Krista Cummins, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific Public Affairs PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded today a $990 million multiple award construction contract (MACC) for work on projects located primarily in Guam and in various sites within the NAVFAC Pacific area of operations. The work to be performed includes, but is not limited to, work on administrative facilities, barracks/dormitories, dining facilities, ranges, educational facilities, training facilities, roads, streets, site utilities/infrastructure, and other base development facilities.

The contract supports the Defense Policy Review Initiative (DPRI) and is funded by the Government of Japan (GoJ) as part of the International Agreement between the United States and Japan.

“We are especially pleased to be awarding this MACC for the GoJ-funded construction projects on Guam,” said NAVFAC Pacific Guam Program Management Office Director Will Boudra. “With multiple contractors and a capacity of $990 million in new contract awards over the next five years, this MACC adds robust capacity to our acquisition toolbox in support of the DPRI construction program.”

Hensel Phelps-Shimizu Joint Venture of Honolulu, Hawaii is the first of seven companies being awarded the initial task order at $53.9 million for the construction of a base administration building on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz (MCBCB) in Guam. Work for this task order will be performed in Guam and is expected to be completed by May 2023.

“These contract awards are another pivotal step as we continue to build MCBCB,” said MCBCB Commanding Officer Col. Bradley Magrath. “The J-011 base administration project will be the new command headquarters for Camp Blaz and we are very excited about this project and our progress with the establishment of Camp Blaz. We would like to thank our team

Courtesy graphic

members and partners as we continue to ensure a responsible construction process through extensive joint efforts.”

In addition to Hensel Phelps-Shimizu Joint Venture, the following six companies are each being awarded a MACC contract – Aptim Construction JV, LLC of Alexandria, Va.; Black Construction– Tutor Perini JV of Harmon, Guam; Caddell-Nan a Joint Venture of Montgomery, Ala.; Core Tech-HDCC-Kajima, LLC of Tamuning, Guam; CWI-Weitz JV of McLean, Va; and Gilbane SMCC ECC LLC of Concord, Calif.

The majority of work will be performed in Guam, but may include other areas under the cognizance of NAVFAC Pacific, with an expected completion date of January 2026.

“Over the five-year life of this MACC, significant funding will flow into the Guam business economy,” said Boudra. “The active participation of the Guam engineering and architectural design firms, construction companies and suppliers is critical to the success of the build-up in advance of the arrival of U.S. Marine Corps operational units on Guam.”

B4 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

Cheryl Dengler James Blackburn, a financial technician with the tuition assistance (TA) accounting office for Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC), processes accounting data for TA. The Navy recently modernized the way Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen can pay back TA debts. The new program gives service members the option to pay their debt on a mobile device or computer using a debit card or electronic funds transfer.

Navy modernizes Tuition Assistance debt payments

By Cheryl Dengler, Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center Public Affairs PENSACOLA, Fla.

The Navy has modernized the way Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen can pay back tuition assistance (TA) debts beginning in January 2021.

The new program provides service members with the option to pay their debt on a mobile device or computer using a debit card, electronic funds transfer (EFT) or via a PayPal account.

Credit cards will not be accepted through this program, and PayPal can only be used if linked to a debit card or bank account.

Until now, service members were

required to repay TA debt using a cashier’s check, money order or a payroll transaction—a process that took anywhere from a week to 45 days, according to Tim Driggers, Voluntary Education Business Operations division head.

“This is the first time since the beginning of the tuition assistance program in the mid-nineties that we’ve done electronic debt payments,” said Driggers. “The service members can pay with their bank account using a smartphone as opposed to putting a check in the mail. Since the pilot program began, we’ve seen a reduction in checks by about 60% by doing e-billing on a weekly basis.”

The new capability not only benefits

the accounting system, but the service member as well.

“We saw a debt get paid within two hours of service member notification,” said Driggers. “This allows the service member to be in good standing again, so that the TA is available for use immediately.”

The process is streamlined and simple to use for the service members, according to Fred Morales, the TA Collections branch head.

“Once an indebtedness occurs due to a collectible grade, and provided the course has been invoiced by an academic institution, the service member will receive an email with instructions directing them to Pay.gov where they can make the payment electronically,” said Morales. “It’s very easy to use.”

In most cases, debt transactions will be posted to the member’s WebTA account by TA Accounting the next business day after the service member pays their TA debt using Pay.gov.

If a debt payment is not made within 45 days, a file will be sent to Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) to cancel the e-bill, and the debt amount will be taken from the service member through payroll deduction.

For more information regarding the repayment of TA debts, please call: 1-877-838-1659, option 4.

As part of the MyNavy HR Force Development team, Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) provides products and services that enable and enhance education, training, career development and personnel advancement throughout the Navy. Primary elements of the command include the Voluntary Education Department, the Navy Advancement Center and the Resources Management Department.

Additional information about NETPDC can be found at https:// www.netc.navy.mil/NETPDC.

USNCC pilot program set to launch January 2021

From United States Naval Community College Public Affairs WASHINGTON

The newly established United States Naval Community College (USNCC) is launching a pilot program this month with nearly 600 students from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard participating in the first phase of the program, serving as a template for future USNCC students.

Northern Virginia Community College, the University of Arizona, the University of Maryland Global Campus, Alexandria Technical and Community College, and the State University System of New York (SUNY Online), are paired to offer world-class education to Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen as part of the pilot program scheduled for January through June of 2021.

“We are very excited to make this announcement,” said Dr. Randi Cosentino, president of the USNCC. “We are working with top colleges and universities to bring to the members of our maritime service community programs that are going to be of high value to them and help them achieve their educational goals.”

Collaborating schools were notified in November of their selection to support the institution serving the tri-service maritime community. Following the initial pilot program, a second phase of the pilot program is scheduled for 2022.

“Now that we’ve identified our collaborating schools we can move forward with our program to ensure we offer the best education to our service members and benefit all those involved,” Cosentino said. “The pilot will allow us to collect important data that will inform the development of the USNCC. Working in consortium with leading colleges will help us explore outcomes around the design of the program, the processes involved, working relationships and overall impact.”

The concept of the USNCC came out of a study seeking to identify opportunities to better prepare en-

MC3 Brittany N Tobin

listed service members for the future and support them throughout their careers. Areas of study during the pilot include the nuclear field, cyber security, data analytics, English, math, and naval ethics. The second phase will expand those study areas.

“It is imperative we have a more educated enlisted force, grounded in the understanding of current events, allowing them to add context to the actions they may be ordered to do,” said Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite. “This will provide a critical advantage in any scenario, but specifically to the understanding of how they fit into our overall strategic goals and objectives.”

The USNCC is intended to serve all three services in the maritime domain, the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Each of the services selected students to participate in the January pilot based on input from their chain of command. For many service members, the prospect of obtaining higher education is a major enlistment or retention incentive.

“We have so much to be proud of throughout our military history and anything we can do to draw more attention to that through education has my enthusiastic support. There are many lessons there to be learned, and I have no doubt a better understanding of our origins will only contribute to the future successes of our Maritime services in any situation.”

Braithwaite was sworn in as the 77th Secretary of the Navy May 29, 2020. He previously served as the 31st U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway.

“We are in an era of great power competition," said Braithwaite. “Any advantage we can achieve over an adversary will increase our warfighting prowess. Innovating solutions through improvement of critical thinking skills will only serve to give our leaders more flexibility in the effective and efficient deployment of our naval forces.”

For more information visit the USNCC on Facebook, LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter at @USNCC.

B5 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

NETC announces FY-22 Advance Education Voucher Program

By Cmdr. James Stockman

Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla.

Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) announced Jan. 9 the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY-22) Advanced Education Voucher (AEV) program.

The AEV program provides financial assistance to selected senior enlisted personnel (E-7 to E-9) to complete post-secondary, Navy-relevant degrees through off-duty education.

“The AEV program supports the continued educational development of senior enlisted leaders to support the Navy our nation needs,” said Tom Smith, NETC AEV program manager. “The program provides the Navy’s chief, senior chief and master chief petty officers a platform to pursue higher education that makes them more effective leaders along with enhancing their technical competencies in our ever-changing operational environments.”

Senior Chief Yeoman Christopher Aberle, senior enlisted leader, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Hampton Roads, who earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Saint Leo University in December 2020, encourages other senior enlisted leaders to apply to the AEV program.

“Any senior enlisted leader who is slightly interested in college and meets the AEV requirements should jump at this opportunity,” said Aberle.

Aberle continued to say that although the AEV program might be intimidating, it is well worth the time and effort in achieving your educational goals.

“I am a high school dropout, who earned my GED diploma in boot camp,” said Aberle. “I told myself that school was not for me, but I worked on my associate degree and took a break; pursued my bachelor’s degree and took a break; and now I completed my MBA after 20 years of naval

service. If I can do it, so can you.”

Chief Special Warfare Operator John Staton, training department leading chief petty officer at an East Coast-based SEAL team, who earned an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in May 2019, echoed Aberle’s comments on the value of the AEV program and offered a piece of advice.

“Ensure that you have the full support of your command and that you will have the time available to complete the program in the stated timeline,” said Staton.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be top performing active-duty senior enlisted personnel (E-7 to E-9) who are transferring to, or currently on shore duty with sufficient time ashore to complete a baccalaureate or master’s degree program. Applicants on sea duty may apply provided they submit an education plan that shows the ability to complete the degree program as specified above.

How many quotas are available?

The AEV program has 10 quotas – five bachelor degrees and five master degrees – available for FY-22.

What Navy-relevant degrees are included in the AEV program?

Degrees considered for the baccalaureate program include: • Strategic Foreign Languages • Construction Management • Emergency and Disaster Management • Human Resources • Paralegal, Leadership and Management • Engineering • Information Technology • Nursing • Business Administration • Electrical and Electronic Technology Degrees considered for the master’s program include: • Emergency and Disaster Management • Human Resources • Project Management • Engineering and Technology

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• Systems Analysis • Information Technology • Homeland Defense and Security • Leadership and Management • Business Administration • Education and Training Management Degree programs other than those listed above must be validated as a Navy-relevant degree by the NETC AEV program manager.

How much funding does the Navy provide?

Participants in the AEV Program will be provided funds for tuition, books, and related fees for completion of their advanced degrees within the following limits: • Bachelor’s degree: Funding limits are a maximum of $6,700 per fiscal year for up to 36 months from the date of signing a letter of acceptance, not to exceed $20,000 total program cost.

• Master’s degree: Funding limits are a maximum of $20,000 per fiscal year for up to 24 months from the date of signing a

letter of acceptance, not to exceed $40,000 total program cost.

When does the program begin?

Applicants should be available to commence their studies in the 2021 fall term (after Oct. 1, 2021).

Is there a service obligation?

Participants shall agree to remain on active duty for a period equal to three times the number of months of education completed or three years, whichever is less.

What is the submission deadline?

Deadline for applying for the FY-22 AEV program is May 24, 2021. Applications should be e-mailed to the program manager.

Where can I get additional information on the program?

Additional information about the AEV program is at https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/common-resources/education-voucher-programs.htm or by contacting Thomas Smith, NETC N525, at (850) 452-7271/DSN 459-7271, or via e-mail at thomas.a.smith4@navy.mil.

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B6 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

Sarah Peterson Pictured from left to right, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Dennis Collins, an electronics engineer, Brittany Donowho, a computer scientist, Gregory Wehner, an information technology specialist, and Michael Colon, a computer scientist, answer questions from students at Oxon Hill High School in Maryland during Cyberweek.

NRL CyberWeek for students catching fire nationwide

By Kevin McAndrews

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Public Affairs

WASHINGTON

A couple of years ago, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) public affairs specialist intern Samina Mondal was excited to be back in touch with her third-grade teacher. She wanted to discuss bringing cybersecurity into the classroom.

Mondal contacted her teacher, Jeffrey LeLoup of Forestville Elementary in Great Falls, Virginia, about a curriculum she developed, and that discussion paid off. Now, her ongoing CyberWeek is catching fire, and expanding to schools throughout the country.

Since joining NRL’s Corporate Communications team in December 2019, the George Washington University sophomore has spearheaded virtual cybersecurity seminars in classrooms near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. It has now reached students in other states such as Ohio and California, and promises to expand its wings even further.

CyberWeek is open to kindergarten students through high school seniors. Even at ages eight and nine, Mondal said, students grasp fundamental cybersecurity concepts such as password protection, phishing, and two-factor authentication. Other topics covered include cryptocurrency, Department of Defense (DoD) career opportunities and development, cyberbullying, and social engineering.

“It’s exciting to see young students eager to learn about how to secure their online presence at school, home and in their community,” Mondal said. “Some of these are concepts many adults are not fully aware of.”

As people rely on technology at an increased, almost exponential rate year after year, Mondal said, students must be able to use their knowledge to protect themselves from possible threats, attacks, and cyber mishaps.

“It is crucial to give students the opportunity to begin their

cybersecurity education in their early developmental years,” she said.

So far, the curriculum has been taught to public school students in two Maryland counties, Prince George’s and Frederick. Baltimore City Public Schools also plans to use the curriculum. Since the program is virtual, it continues to expand nationwide.

Across the board, students’ reactions to CyberWeek have been positive. Their favorite segments included talking to researchers about the projects they work on, finding out what opportunities are available once they are out of school, how to recognize and avoid email phishing scams on the internet, and what to aim for in school to earn scholarships, internships and DoD careers.

“If you want to be an intern, you should be willing to put time in, work hard, learn new things and push yourself out of your comfort zone,” one student said.

Another student addressed cyber bullying.

“People should be more aware of cyber bullying,” the student said. “I was bullied at my school when I was younger, and I wish people would give more attention to this topic because this is a very serious matter.”

Brittany Donowho, a computer scientist at NRL, participated in the first CyberWeek at Oxon Hill High School prior to the pandemic.

“This program is incredible,” Donowho said. “I really wish I had been exposed to this kind of opportunity when I was in high school. It’s especially valuable to hear different perspectives because there is no one correct path, and getting that information at a young age might help with those moments of uncertainty, as well as pushing students to keep an open mind about their future.”

The interaction is valuable to NRL expert panelists as well.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to hear questions from students,” Donowho said. “It provides some insight on their thought processes and, more generally, insight into who will

be the future of STEM.” Because Mondal already had a curriculum developed when she began her internship it was relatively easy to build on it to provide career awareness, according to Victor Chen, NRL’s Federal Action Officer for STEM and head of Corporate Communications.

“We were able to boost it a little by offering NRL’s cyber experts to join the program,” Chen said. “I think putting students in direct contact with real-world cyber professionals gave it a cool perspective.”

Chen said this has helped grow the program. The first school to adopt the curriculum was Oxon Hill High School in Maryland. This was before COVID, which made it necessary to put the program completely online.

Chen said school officials liked CyberWeek, but after the COVID pandemic began, they needed an asynchronous option, and that’s what Mondal was able to accomplish, which was presented to students Dec. 14 in Frederick County, Maryland.

“Samina is doing an outstanding job creating a win-win for our organization and the schools,” Chen said. “We can expose the students to a little bit of what NRL and DoD do, and then potentially plant seeds with people who might become interns in the future, or even employees.”

The DoD STEM mission is to attract, inspire, and develop skilled talent into DoD. Likewise, the Naval STEM outreach program supports the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps education and outreach programs that invest in the DoN workforce. The goal is to continuously enhance the Navy and Marine Corps’ war-fighting ability. CyberWeek is supported by the National Center for Women and IT, Building Engineering and Science Talent, and NRL’s STEM outreach efforts.

To Participate in CyberWeek The program can be accessed at https://sites.google.com/ view/CyberWeekorgeducatorsguide/lessons You must be logged into a Google email account to view the content.

Contact NRL Corporate Communications at (202) 4803746 or email nrlpao@nrl.navy.mil to participate in NRL’s CyberWeek or for more information.

Department of the Navy releases Strategic Blueprint for a Blue Arctic From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs WASHINGTON

The Department of the Navy released its strategic blueprint for the Arctic titled a Blue Arctic Jan. 5, delivering a regional outline spanning the next two decades as the Department continues to prepare for an increasingly accessible and navigable Arctic Region.

The forward-looking document provides strategicguidanceonhowtheDepartmentwill apply naval power in the Arctic Region and stresses an approach that integrates American naval power with joint forces, interagency teammates, allies, and partners. It also challenges the Navy-Marine Corps-Coast Guard team to evolve and expand the range of integrated capabilities to achieve enduring national interests in the region.

“As our naval force continues to meet the challenging demands of a Blue Arctic in this era of Great Power Competition, the Department of the Navy remains committed to protecting the Arctic environment and ensuring naval forces do their part to help preserve it,” said Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite. “This blueprint guides how the Department will continue to provide the right levels and types of presence on, under, and above Arctic water, ensuring America is prepared to compete effectively and efficiently to maintain favorable balances of power. This includes strengthening cooperative partnerships toensurecoordinationwithkeyalliesandpartners in the region.”

The Arctic is a strategic region of growing geopolitical and global importance, and despite containing the world’s smallest ocean, it has the potential to connect nearly 75 percent of the world’s population. The region also holds an estimated 30 percent of the world’s

undiscovered natural gas reserves, 13 percent of the global conventional oil reserves and one trillion dollars’ worth of rare earth minerals.

A Blue Arctic provides the general idea that the Arctic is gradually turning from “White” to “Blue”— and by that, reduced ice coverage is making Arctic waters more accessible and navigable, which will enable nations and their navies to access new sea routes, resources, and markets.

The blueprint places focus on the rising maritime activity spurring from Arctic and non-Arctic states, like Russia and China, which posture their navies to protect sovereignty and national interests while enabling their ability to project power.

“Russia is investing heavily to enhance its Arctic defense and economic sectors, with a resultant multilayered militarization of its northern flank,” the document states. “By modernizing its military capabilities and posture – particularly the Northern Fleet – Russia aims to improve command and control, infrastructure, and joint force employment to project power and defend its northern approaches.”

The blueprint also states the Department will take a tailored approach when considering permanently stationed forces, rotational forces, and temporary forces, pre-positioned equipment and stocks, and basing infrastructureacrosstheregion.Theblueprintalsostates that the Department will enhance military education, training and exercises with allies and partners in and around the Arctic.

The blueprint is guided by the objectives articulated in the National Security Strategy, NationalDefenseStrategy,DepartmentofDefense Arctic Strategy, and Advantage at Sea. To read the full strategic blueprint for the Arctic, please visit: A Strategic Blueprint for the Arctic

Courtesy graphic

B7 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

Army Capt. Dave Pytlik Military officials and Sen. Richard Blumenthal promote Daniel Crowley to the rank of sergeant and present him with the Combat Infantryman Badge and POW Medal at the 103rd Airlift Wing.

AWARD |

Under Secretary presents awards to WWII veteran ContinuedfromB1 Nichols Field were destroyed. The ground crews were soon evacuated and sent to the Bataan Peninsula via boat and train. The air base was abandoned.

The surviving ground crews and airmen were made members of the U.S. Army’s Provisional Air Corps Infantry Regiment on Bataan. After the Bataan Peninsula was surrendered, Crowley’s unit made its way down to the tip of Bataan and the town of Mariveles to surrender. Refusing to become prisoners, he and a number of Soldiers and Sailors hid among rocks in the breakwater near the shore. At night-

fall they made their way through three miles of sharkinfested waters to Corregidor Island in Manila Bay by swimming and clinging to lifeboats or debris from various ships bombed or scuttled in Manila Bay and Mariveles Harbor.

On Corregidor, Crowley became part of the 4th Marines Regimental Reserve. These Marines fought until Corregidor fell on May 6, 1942. Crowley, along with nearly 12,000 other POWs, was held at the 92nd Garage Area on Corregidor — an exposed beach with little water or food and no sanitation. Eventually, as prisoners of war (POWs) they were taken by boat to Manila, where they traveled to a forced labor camp.

Ultimately, Crowley would spend three and a half years as a POW, both in the Philippines and Japan, until he was liberated on Sept. 4, 1945, and discharged from the military early the next year.

“It has been a privilege to meet with a veteran that be-

longed to the Greatest Generation,“ Slavonic said. ”The patriotism displayed by these World War II veterans is immeasurable. Even now, these men and women stand to pay their respects whenever our nation’s flag passes, placing their hands over their hearts or saluting.

“While in this position I have had the pleasure of meeting with veterans and current service members and am always awed and inspired by the integrity, intelligence and commitment that is showcased by these individuals. No matter what uniform you wear or what branch you belong to, we are united as one team and I am confident that we will remain the greatest force for freedom and security the world has ever known.”

Crowley continues to support armed services initiatives, especially with the Sailors aboard USS Bataan. Crowley has been an informal ambassador to the ship, visiting several times and speaking with her crew, inspiring them and sharing his first-hand knowledge of the atrocities of war.

| Service members executing overseas orders must test negative for COVID-19 prior to flying TESTING

ContinuedfromB1 available · Bremerton, WA, (360) 340-5335, testing 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. · Madigan Army Hospital. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, (253) 968-4443, testing 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.

(Atlantic) · Portsmouth, VA, (757) 953-6200, 24/7 testing available · Jacksonville, FL, (994) 250-6188, 24/7 testing available · Camp Lejeune, NC, (910) 450-2956, 24/7 testing available · Fort Belvoir, VA, COVID Clinic (571) 231-0532, testing 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. · Fort Belvoir, VA CDO (571) 585-6066, 24/7 testing available · Walter Reed, Central Screening, (571) 335-9985, testing 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. · Walter Reed, CDO, (301) 547-1161, 24/7 testing available For more information see NAVADMIN 03/21, or contact the MNCC at 1-833-3306622, email - askmncc@navy.mil.

CHAPLAIN | Navy

posthumously awards Navy Cross to WWII chaplain ContinuedfromB1 “Today, we are here to right the record and send a message that we shall never forget,” said Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite. “My mother taught me that it’s never to late to say your sorry. Today the Navy is sorry for not recognizing Chaplain Conway’s heroism, dedication and courage sooner. Throughout the brutal war in the Pacific, Father Conway stood by his men and provided comfort, leadership, and spiritual guidance when needed most. I can think of no better example of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Our Sailors and Marines live those core values every day, and they carry with them the spirit of

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this great Sailor, officer, and pastor.”

Also in attendance at the invitation-only ceremony, at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, were family members of surviving crew members from the Indianapolis, members of the Waterbury Veterans Memorial Committee, and city and state government officials, who have been long-time proponents for recognizing Conway’s unquestionable valor.

Monsignor John Bevins, a retired Navy Captain and former pastor of the Basilica, received the award on behalf of Conway.

“We are grateful and proud to call Father Conway one of our own” said Bevins. “His legacy of service and sacrifice is one that we all can try to uphold and emulate. This award is recognition of that and everything he stood for.”

Conway, who was born and raised in Waterbury, attended Niagara University in New York, and after entering the priesthood, served as a curate at several Catholic churches in Buffalo. He enlisted in the Navy in September 1942 and served at various

naval stations along the East Coast before transferring to the Pacific Fleet. For several months he was assigned to the repair ship USS Medusa (AR-1) and in 1944 he was assigned to Indianapolis.

Frequently the flagship of the 5th Fleet, Indianapolis served with honor from Pearl Harbor through the last campaign of World War II, earning ten battle stars. After a successful high-speed run to deliver atomic bomb components to Tinian Island, the decorated Portland-class cruiser continued to Guam. Indianapolis was en route from Guam to Leyte when she was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine within the first hour of July 30, 1945, forcing Conway and hundreds of his shipmates into the open ocean.

Completely disregarding his own wellbeing, Conway continually swam in sharkinfested waters between the clusters of adrift Sailors, many of whom were severely injured, to provide them encouragement and comfort, pray with and for them, and administer sacraments. After three days of

tireless exertion to aid his shipmates, Conway finally succumbed to exhaustion and died. His efforts were credited as a major reason 67 of his shipmates in his group were ultimately rescued.

In the years since the loss of Indianapolis, survivors have told stories of Conway’s actions aboard the ship and during his final days, encapsulating the Chaplain as a Navy hero.

“Father Conway will go on to be a beacon of Service above Self for all who serve in the Navy and Marine Corps. His actions will inspire others who at dark and challenging moments in their lives must follow their heart to do their duty,” Braithwaite said.

“For me personally this has never been more relevant than during the very events of this week. When you are entrusted to serve the men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps, you must always choose as Father Conway did, to do what you must do – your duty; rather than what you could do for yourself.”

B8 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

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ODU Student Scores $20K in Film Contest

By Sherry DiBari

When the congratulatory message showed up on Adrian Woodard II’s cell phone, he couldn’t tell anyone.

He was in the middle of filming his father’s church sermon. His mother was posting sermon points live on the computer. “My dad was preaching, so I couldn’t stop and tell them,” he said.

So, he waited patiently.

Once the sermon was done, Woodard relayed the news that he had won the grand prize in the Faith Counts’Film Your Faith video competition. “Everyone was excited for me,” he said. “I just felt so blessed that God had given me that gift to do that.”

Woodard’s two-minute film, “Keeping Faith,” was selected from over 900 entries.

Woodard, 20, an Old Dominion University sophomore majoring in communication with an emphasis in film, received more than praise for his win. He also took home $20,000.

Faith Counts, a nonprofit, non-denominational organization aimed at promoting the value of faith, asked participants to show, in two minutes or less, how “faith changes lives, relationships and communities for the better.”

Woodard’s film chronicles the internal struggles many individuals face during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was inspired by his own challenges of adjusting to loneliness and new social norms.

The film features Woodard as the main character and narrator.

He credits the success of “Keeping Faith” to his “dream team,” which included immediate family members, volunteers from his family’s church and friends.

“We were really meticulous about social distancing,” Woodard said. “I did it with a lot of family members - the people I was already quarantined with, and close friends that I knew were practicing good social distancing.”

Woodard calls Lawrence Pettaway, his godbrother and also an ODU student, and sister Alek, “troupers” for their help with the film. For one scene, they began filming at 5 a.m. In another, they were immersed in a pool with freezing water.

Terry Butler, a family friend, composed the original music.

Most of the scenes were filmed around Hampton Roads. Sites included an alley near The Main hotel in downtown Norfolk, in and around the Tide light rail, Woodard’s grandmother’s pool in Chesapeake, James Baptist Church in Richmond and a Portsmouth graveyard.

Woodard has long ties to Hampton Roads. His grand-

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father was the late Harrison B. Wilson Jr., former president of Norfolk State University. His grandmother, Lucy Wilson, served as ODU’s associate vice president of the Office of Student Services.

Woodard’s interest in filmmaking started early. He was a middle-schooler in Newark, New Jersey, when the class took a field trip to watch director Spike Lee filming a movie in the neighborhood.

“I just remember seeing him working and thinking,

‘That’s what I want to do,’” Woodard said.

Woodard plans to invest his winnings into his film company Korrosive Films, along with stocks and a donation to his church.

Woodard’s goal with “Keeping Faith,” was to inspire people. “I wanted them to know that they’re not alone, that other people are struggling as well,” he said. “I wanted them to know that faith is a struggle, and keeping faith is a struggle.”

“John Denver” arrives at the Virginia Zoo From The Virginia Zoo NORFOLK, VA.

The Zoo’s newest resident, John Denver, is settling into his surroundings this week. While he won’t be singing to Zoo visitors, John Denver will be impressing them as one of the largest and heaviest birds of prey with his massive 10-foot wingspan. John Denver, the cinerous vulture, flew into Washington DC (via an airplane, of course) from the Living Desert Zoo in California, then made the car-ride from DC to Norfolk.

John Denver was an egg laid at the Denver Zoo, then flown to the Living Desert Zoo before he even hatched to be raised by cinereous vulture foster parents. As an homage to the city he originally hailed from, Keepers lovingly named him John Denver. He landed at the Virginia Zoo due to a breeding recommendation from the Species Survival Plan that paired him with Eve, the Zoo’s resident female cinerous vulture.

After the initial introductions, Zoo Keepers observed positive key behaviors – proximity, positive interactions and eating and since, the pair have also been seen preening each other and playing with enrichment items – nothing says potential love like tearing up a fish carcass together.

Cinereous vultures, also known as monk vultures, black vultures and Eurasian black vultures are flighted birds that can weigh up to 28 pounds and measure over three-and-a-half feet tall. Their species

VAZOO/ The Virginia Zoo’s newest resident, a cinerous vulture name John Denver has arrived from the Living Desert Zoo in California. He received a breeding recommendation from the Species Survial Plan which brought him to the Zoo to meet his new mate, Eve.

is listed as near threatened to extinction due to human-animal conflict such as poisoning. The species’ global population is estimated at 14,00020,000 mature individuals.

The two are on visible from the boardwalk that overlook the tapir habitat in Asia – Trail of the Tiger.

Read more about the couple and the process of transporting animals at virginiazoo.org/blog.

The Zoo is open daily 10 am to 4 pm, advanced reservations and timed tickets are required. Visit virginiazoo.org for more information.

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Locally held art show with tourist browse art work for sale from vendors who come from all over the United States.

Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show Announced for Weekend of October 22, 2021 From the Virginia MOCA

Out of an abundance of caution regarding the pandemic and in consultation with the City of Virginia Beach, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) will hold the 2021 Boardwalk Art Show October 22-24, 2021 rather than the traditional June timing. “Given that there are so many unknowns about the future course of COVID, we have decided to present the show on a weekend in which we have a high level of confidence that health concerns won’t prohibit the show from taking place on the boardwalk. Everyone loves the boardwalk location, and we want to make sure we can uphold this 65-year

old tradition,” said Virginia MOCA Executive Director Gary Ryan.

“Planning is underway to make the art show weekend even more fun through partnerships with the Atlantic Avenue Association and the ViBe Creative District. We see the art experience starting on the Boardwalk and extending throughout the resort area,” said Kerry O’Donnell, the Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show Director.

Stacy Kotarides, owner of Dough Boy’s Pizza and member of the Atlantic Avenue Association, said “The Atlantic Avenue Association is thrilled to partner with the Boardwalk Art Show to expand the footprint of the event and reach more visitors and Virginia Beach

residents!”

Kate Pittman, Executive Director of the ViBe Creative District said, “In partnering with Boardwalk Art Show for 2021, the ViBe District hopes to be the added bonus for those attending this significant outdoor display of fine art.

Visitors are welcome to take a leisure walk through the streets of the ViBe to find hundreds of free public artworks, dozens of local artisans and businesses and some of the best culinary arts found in Virginia Beach.”

The Boardwalk Art Show is one of the only outdoor art shows produced by an art museum and strives to feature the highest caliber fine art and contemporary craft. Consistently rated as one of

Sunshine Artist’s Top 100 Art Shows, the Boardwalk Art Show will still feature many amenities including: A prize fund of approximately $25,000, including a $7,500 Best-inShow award Over 300 volunteers, booth sitters, overnight security, and on-site storage Artist Drive-On Program for easy load-in and load-out Increased marketing support from the City of Virginia Beach targeting art enthusiasts along the east coast Application Deadline: April 30, 2021, late applications will be accepted until May 31, 2021 for an additional $10.00 COVID-19 Cancellation Policy: 100% full refund before June 30, 2021 less the 2.95% Zapplication fee.

If Virginia MOCA cancels the art show at any point, refunds will be issued in full less the 2.95% Zapplication fee.

Istock/

A New Maker Studio is Coming to Norfolk Public Library From the City of Norfolk

NORFOLK

The Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch will join the ranks of libraries and cities across the country with a maker studio. Norfolk Public Library (NPL) will

install equipment, made possible by donation, in late 2021. When the public can safely gather again, the maker studio will serve as a community do-it-yourself center for people of all ages to create, learn, share, and explore.

The maker studio, named “The Randi Marston Peterson Studio @ Pretlow,” will memorialize Randi

Marston Peterson, an avid reader and regular patron of the Van Wyck Branch Library. Peterson died in March of 2020 and included a charitable bequest to the Norfolk Public Library Foundation in her will. The 2,000-foot studio will house cutting-edge technologies, including a recording booth, photography equipment, computer systems, sewing machines, collaboration spaces, and other programming equipment.

Additional funds are being raised by the Norfolk Public Library Foundation for the project. For more information about the project and how to donate, contact Tom Jones, president of the Norfolk Public Library Foundation, at 757- 961-0067.

C3 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

Courtesy Photo/

Getting Help for Combat Stress From Military Onesource

Learning to recognize the signs of combat stress in yourself, another service member or a family member who has returned from a war zone can help you call on the right resources to begin the healing process.

Combat stress and stress injuries Combat stress is the natural response of the body and brain to the stressors of combat, traumatic experiences and the wear and tear of extended and demanding operations.

Although there are many causes and signs of combat stress, certain key symptoms are common in most cases: • Problems sleeping • Uncharacteristic irritability or angry outbursts • Unusual anxiety or panic attacks • Signs of depression such as apathy, changes in appetite, loss of interest in hobbies or activities, or poor hygiene • Physical symptoms such as fatigue, aches and pains, nausea, diarrhea or constipation • Other changes in behavior, personality or thinking Combat stress sometimes leads to stress injuries, which can cause physical changes to the brain that alter the way it processes information and handles stress. You should be aware of the following when dealing with a stress injury: • Stress injuries can change the way a person functions mentally, emotionally, behaviorally and physically.

• The likelihood of having a combat stress injury rises as combat exposure increases.

• The earlier you identify the signs of a stress injury, the faster a full recovery can occur.

• If left untreated, a stress injury may develop into more chronic and hard-to-treat problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

• There is no guaranteed way to prevent or protect yourself from a stress injury, but there are things you can do to help yourself and others recover.

Stress reactions Different people handle stress — and combat stress — differently, and it’s not clear why one person may have a more severe reaction than another. Here’s what you need to know about stress reactions: • Stress reactions can last from a few days to a few weeks to as long as a year.

• Delayed stress reactions can surface long after a traumatic incident or extended exposure to difficult conditions has occurred.

• An inability to adapt to everyday life after returning from deployment can be a reaction to combat stress.

How to get help If you or someone you know is suffering from a combat stress injury, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible. Reach out to one of the following resources if you have symptoms of combat stress or stress

injury, or if you are experiencing severe stress reactions: • Combat Stress Control Teams provide on-site support during deployment.

• Your unit chaplain may offer counseling and guidance on many issues that affect deployed or returning service members and their families.

• The Department of Veterans Affairs has readjustment counseling for combat veterans and their families, including those still on active duty, at community-based Vet Centers.

• TRICARE provides medical counseling services either at a military treatment facility or through a network provider in your area. Contact your primary care manager or your regional TRICARE office for a referral.

• The Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence provides free resources on traumatic brain injury to help service members, veterans, family members and health care providers. Resources include educational materials, fact sheets, clinical recommendations and much more.

• Veterans Crisis Line offers confidential support 24/7/ 365 and is staffed by qualified responders from the Department of Veterans Affairs — some of whom have served in the military themselves. Call 800-273-8255, then press 1, or access online chat by texting to 838255.

• Non-military support channels such as communitybased or religious programs can offer guidance and help in your recovery.

If you are suffering from combat stress, you are not alone. Reach out to get the help and treatment you need to be able to live your life fully.

C4 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

Food

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

By Kate Merker

Greek lemon chicken soup is loaded with bright and bold flavors that make it every bit as delicious as it is good for you. This light and healthy recipe is similar to a classic chicken and rice soup, with celery, onion and of course chicken, but includes some unexpected ingredients like fresh dill and leeks. Plus, whisked eggs and lemon juice, tempered with a little hot broth to prevent scrambling, add ultra-velvety texture to the soup without using any cream. That’s right — this recipe is completely dairy-free while still tasting 100% cozy. It’s easy comfort food that’s perfect for a chilly night or healthy lunch.

Ingredients • 1 medium onion, quartered • 1 leek, white and light green parts only, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch pieces • 3 tbsp. low-sodium chicken bouillon base (we like Better than Bouillon) • 1 bone-in chicken breast (about 2 1/2 pounds), split • 1 small sprig fresh oregano • 1/4 small bunch dill, plus sprigs, for serving • 1/2 c. long-grain white rice • 2 large eggs • 6 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Mike Garten

• Cracked pepper, for serving How to make Greek lemon chicken soup • In a large pot, bring water to a boil with onion, leek, celery and bouillon. Add the chicken, oregano and dill, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.

• Transfer the chicken to a bowl and shred the meat.

• Strain the cooking liquid and return it to the pot.

Add the rice and simmer.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice. Slowly whisk a bit of broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, into the egg mixture to temper the eggs.

• Then, whisking constantly, gradually add this egg broth mixture to the pot. Simmer until the soup is slightly thickened and velvety and the rice is tender.

Stir in the shredded chicken.

• Serve topped with dill and freshly cracked black pepper. Enjoy!

Coconut Curry Chicken

By Kate Merker and Taylor Murray

Cashew butter is the genius, secret pantry ingredient to this delicious dinner. It adds body and richness to contrast all those flavorful spices.

Ingredients • 3 tbsp. olive oil • 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks • Kosher salt and pepper • 1 large onion, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, pressed • 1 red chile, finely chopped • 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely grated • 1 tbsp. garam masala • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes • 3/4 c. unsweetened coconut milk • 1/2 c. cashew butter • Rice, cilantro, chopped cashews and sliced red chiles, for serving Directions • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large Dutch oven on medium. Season chicken with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, tossing often, until no longer pink, 5 minutes; transfer to a bowl.

• Reduce heat to medium-low; add remaining tablespoon oil, then onion, and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and chile and cook 1 minute.

Stir in ginger, garam masala and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook 1 minute.

• Add tomatoes, coconut milk and cashew butter and mix to combine. Return chicken and any juices to the pot and gently simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Serve over rice, topped with cilantro, cashews and chiles if desired.

Mike Garten

C5 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

Health

John Wayne Liston/ Capt. Patricia Nolan, RN, prepares vaccinations of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, at Madigan Army Medical Center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Wash.

MTF facilities, markets set to resume transition heading into 2021 By: Military Health System Communications Office

Despite the unforeseen impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition of military medical treatment facilities to the Defense Health Agency is on track headed into the new year, explained Dr. Barclay Butler, DHA’s assistant director for management.

The Department of Defense made the decision early in the pandemic to pause transition activities due to the unprecedented burden on the Military Health System. However, in November, the Department resumed transition activities.

The strategic pause ended up having a positive impact on the transition, Butler added.

“The pause in Military Health System transition let us compile a number of lessons learned,” Butler said. “We then applied those lessons learned to MHS reform. We also used the pause to improve the transition planning, and the transition products.”

Lessons learned included standardization of military health metrics reporting to the DOD. Previously, each military service reported that information separately to the DOD, but the DHA was able to demonstrate the value of collecting information and reporting it collectively. The four regional areas, known as ‘markets’ that have already transitioned to the DHA also demonstrated speed of response as a result of integrating their market MTFs into an integrated health

system.

This information also served to inform the DOD’s COVID-19 Task Force.

“That speaks largely to the lesson learned regarding the COVID response and to the markets’ ability to respond,” Butler said.

Butler added that one of the most important results of the past year was the confirmation that the DHA is progressing in the right direction with the market model, affirmed by the Department’s decision to continue the current plan.

“The services asked the Secretary to reasses the approach and the Secretary took that information and made a decision on the 9th of November to continue forward with our plan,” Butler said.

Standardization across the military health enterprise, including clinical quality, is one example of how a market-based approach improves the quality of care for patients.

“Before the DHA started the transition, we found there were 38 different clinical quality standards in the MHS,” Butler said. “How many should we have? We should have one.

When you get rid of unwanted variation, you see healthcare quality go up and costs go down.”

Going forward, Butler said, military medicine will be facing a ‘new normal.’ We will need to remain flexible, and adapt and react as we have over the past year.

“We don’t really know what that ‘new normal’ actually looks like, so we need that agil-

ity to be able to respond and continue to provide our patients with access to high quality care,” he said.

Hints of what is on the horizon include increased use of virtual health options.

“Use of virtual health has gone up thousands of percent from where we were preCOVID pandemic” Butler said. “I think you’re going to continue to see a high utilization of our virtual health systems, which gives our patients greater access.”

In terms of facilities, the next step is transitioning five additional markets to the DHA. “Our next five MTFs – Hawaii, Colorado, Puget Sound, San Antonio and Tidewater – will be stood up and operating as markets near the end of February,” Butler said.

“That’s a big step for the DHA.” He sees a relatively smooth transition, as all of the aforementioned were already Enhanced Multi-Service Markets, where multiple services have coordinated healthcare management for several years. Contrast that with remote single-service MTFs, such as Twentynine Palms in California and Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, where these MTFs are “the only option,” and where the DHA will focus on providing support to these remote locations.

Other focus areas, he said, include extending partnerships with entities such as the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, other federal institutions, academic medical centers, and other partners in order to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

Army Col. Christopher Ivany, director of the DHA’s Transition Program Management office, explained how the pandemic highlights the need for the military health system

to be able to respond to large-scale crises with a single, cohesive approach.

Ivany said that the response across the National Capital Region, where a market with each of the services is already established, was a perfect example.

“In those areas where all the facilities, the people, the resources were all applied to this huge problem in a way that was focused on what was best for the beneficiaries as a whole, it was done more effectively across all service lines,” Ivany said. “It reiterated the need for the MHS transformation to go forward.”

Those successes, he said, have shaped how the DHA will move forward with the next set of markets.

“The MHS is in the midst of a fundamental shift in how it manages healthcare, and while that shift can and will be difficult at times, the end state of where this change is going will have significant benefits for our patients, for our staff and for the medical readiness of the line units, and the healthcare teams themselves.”

Butler’s message to MHS patients is that the quality of their care is paramount.

“The DHA and the MHS are focused on delivering high-quality care to our beneficiaries. That high-quality care translates into having our care teams ready to do their deployed mission while it produces readiness for the department,” Butler said.

“Lieutenant General Place, the director of the DHA, is focused in on great outcomes.

The number one great outcome is a medically ready force, without a doubt,” Butler said.

“That’s what he wants us to do, and that’s what we do.”

OWF and DFAS support injured Soldier on his path to success

By Warrior Care- Recovery Coordination Program

In 2013, Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Soper, a multiple rocket systems crewmember with the 2-289th Field Artillery,157th Infantry Brigade at Camp Atterbury, Indiana was injured while competing at the First Army Division’s regional competition for the Army’s Best Warrior competition.

During his recovery period, Soper connected with Warrior Care’s Operation Warfighter’s (OWF) / Warrior Care’s Education and Employment Initiative (E2I) coordinators Ned Hall and Amy Marohl, who placed him with an internship with Department of Defense’s Department of Finance Accounting Service, or DFAS. Hall and Marohl are the Midwest regional coordinators for OWF/E2I and have created a partnership with the DFAS, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Soper utilized OWF/E2I during his recovery and began his career with DFAS right after transitioning into the civilian world. Soper is now a recruiter for DFAS’ “Hire a Hero Program”.

Hall, who has been with OWF for years said, “DFAS has been a great resource for medically leaving active duty.”

“Through internships, recovering service members can gain experience, and see if it’s a good fit for them,” emphasized Marhol. “It’s an entry point, so don’t assume that you’re going to go in at a level that is your goal, but to see if this is another path that you may like. And there’s a lot of potential for growth.”

Within a month of leaving active duty, Soper was offered a full-time position at DFAS in Indianapolis. By participating in the Hire a Hero program, he was placed on a list that allowed him to take on additional tasks and different jobs within DFAS. This experience made it easy for him to network and further his knowledge within DFAS. “I started off as a GS-4, and almost cried,” explained Soper. But once you get your foot in the door, there are so

Courtesy Photo/ Brandon Soper (right) receives a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

many opportunities. I constantly tell people, those first two years – just be patient. In my wildest dreams, I never thought this was something I was going to do.”

As the DFAS Hire a Hero program recruiter, Soper’s on a mission to recruit recovering service members and veterans.

He wants to provide them with the same opportunity that he was presented and help them further their careers. Most importantly, highlighting the value that recovering service members and veterans bring to the DFAS workforce.

Soper furthered, “Military personnel already have a stepup compared to civilians because they are somewhat familiar with a lot of forms that we utilize.” DFAS recognizes the value and skills that recovering service members and veter-

ans bring, such as their leadership skills, team attitude, and mission focus. The Hire a Hero Program places qualified Service Members and Veterans in a file that matches their specialties and skills, and they can begin working their way up the ladder.

Warrior Care’s OWF provides eligible recovering service Members (RSMs) with an opportunity to intern at a variety of different Federal entities; while Warrior Care’s E2I help RSMs identify their skills and match them with education and career opportunities that will help them with a successful transition into civilian life.

To apply through the Hire a Hero Program, visit: https:// www.dfas.mil/careers/howtojoin/hire-a-hero/.

C6 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021

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C7 | www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | 1.14.2021 Trucks and SUVs

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94 cents of every dollar supports programs and services for local military families.