Kitsap Veterans Life, November 27, 2013 by Sound Publishing

Veterans Life A Sound Publishing Monthly Magazine

December 2013

Holidays deployed www.kitsapveteranslife.com

VETERAN PROFILE/ ED HANNIFAN BY JESSICA GINET What happens when you’re 19 years old and receive what appears to be a draft notice from the U.S. Army? If you’re Ed Hannifan, you don’t open the envelope and high tail it to the Navy recruiting office in Portage, Wisconsin. Hannifan retired in 1995 as an Aviation Ordinance Chief Master (AOCM) after 28 years of service. Hannifan continues to apply the ethics he learned in the Navy to life today - he takes seriously his adherence to personal accountability and his responsibility to self, family

and the community. “I brought the USS Nimitz around the first time (27 years ago) and was one of the lucky sailors who stayed here the last 11 years of my career,” Hannifan said. Kitsap County had that special something that Hannifan never forgot, even after multiple duty stations and deployments. At the time he was on the USS Enterprise. “This was the first area where we felt welcome,” he said. “We didn’t feel like just a temporary transient population.” When Hannifan relocated to Kitsap County he worked hard to give the local

military population the same welcome he received earlier in his career. “I was part of the Military Affairs Committee and heavily involved in the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce,” he said. “I wanted to make sure the other military families felt as welcome as I did.” Looking back, Hannifan has fond memories of his Navy days. “I’ve been to virtually every free port for carriers in the Mediterranean,” he said, continuing, “Australia and Spain were just fantastic places. The Philippines was great. The people are fantastic and friendly. It was almost as good as Australia. People would remember you from the last time you were in port and a Sam McGill was one peso, or about ten cents.” Hannifan admits he disliked the first two years in the Navy, enlisting solely to get away from the Army draft. Things changed, however, when he returned to his hometown on leave after a few years away. “I noticed some friends

doing the same things they had been doing the past three years. They had stayed in the same place and done

Contributed photo

Ed Hannifan the same things. I started thinking about how I had seen so many places and done so much, it was like . . . Hey! And then it wasn’t bad.” Hannifan met his future bride in California while assigned to shore duty in Miramar. He had been in the Navy for four years. Ed and Penny Hannifan have been married for 41 years and will celebrate their 42nd anniversary on Feb. 4. Hannifan

credits his wife for all her hard work while he was on tour. “Tours were brutal,” he said. “I was gone for nine or 10 months at a time, home four months and gone another nine.” He continued, “In the beginning I was gone a lot longer than I was home. Penny did a wonderful job of maintaining the home and raising the kids (Beverly, Jason and Kelly) while I was gone.” Since retiring from the Navy, Hannifan obtained his degree in marketing and small business management from Olympic College and works with his wife as an Associate Broker for John L. Scott Real Estate, a job he’s had for the past 12 years. Ed works doing the manual labor like putting up signs, maintaining properties, etc., while Penny works on the administrative part of the job. They work as a team. “Let’s just say that after the Navy I was done with paper pushing and administration stuff,” he said with a laugh. As an associate broker in a

military town, he continues to work with and help young military families. Many of them are purchasing their first home and making big decisions, something Hannifan is happy to advise on. “I probably think more about how the house fits with the client and the future of the client more than most, like how long they will be stationed here,” he said. “It’s something I consider more than any financial gain on my part.” When Hannifan has spare time, he enjoys fishing on the Hood Canal. He considers it one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the United States. “When you spend a sunny day on the Hood Canal, there’s no way you can’t fall in love with it,” he said. Hannifan offers advice to new veterans: “Continue to care about your family, your community and always hold yourself to individual accountability. The most reliable person is yourself and you have to hold yourself accountable.”

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11/7/13 1:42 PM

On the inside

This month’s Veterans Life focuses on the holidays—the time of year that most everyone loves, including our veterans. In rapid succession, the end-of-the-year holidays remind us how quickly the year has gone. It’s the time of year for reflection, and, for many, a time for family and friends to gather together. No one better than veterans know how sacred holiday traditions can be until they can’t be celebrated, well, traditionally. Discover what it was like to be deployed during the holidays. Some veterans recall the times fondly with memories of the traditional meals. Mail was slow, but when care packages arrived, it was like Christmas, even if it was two months after the actual holiday. Others, however, don’t think of those times so happily. Retired Army veteran Thom Stoddert shares how painfully lonely deployments can be for troops overseas. Stoddert writes about hearing that his fellow students disappeared from the classroom to return to home units to prepare for a Middle Eastern deployment. His personal narrative reminds readers that holidays truly can be a difficult time for deployed troops. When writing holiday cards, drop a few in the mail for deployed divisions overseas. But when those troops do finally come home, whether in time for Christmas or not, the welcome is always huge, especially in a military town. Enjoy the story of Lt. Barry Doll, who was welcomed home in a special ceremony on Nov. 15 at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor. Doll spent time in Afghanistan working as a reservist, and was given a “Heroes Welcome” ceremony and given recognition for his work overseas. There’s another veteran who deserves the utmost recognition and respect as well. That would be John D. “Bud” Hawk, a Medal of Honor recipient who recently passed away. Reporter Kevan Moore attended his memorial and shares with readers what others had to say about the man who never wanted the title “hero” bestowed upon him. Readers will have a chance to meet Marines who want to make sure that Christmas happens for local, needy children this year. Editor Leslie Kelly interviewed Sam Martin and Gina Coy, who have set out to collect Toys for Tots donations. This year, the pair hope to donate more than 7,000 toys through the drive. During a recent Veterans Day event, reporter Chris Chancellor watched as experts showed veterans how to maneuver their way through the art of glassblowing. The Tacoma Museum of Glass worked alongside vets to create simple pieces they could take home at no cost. Jessica Ginet writes this month’s veteran profile on Ed Hannifan, a retired Navy vet. In 1995, he retired after tirelessly serving his country for 28 years. Ginet reports how 19-year-old Hannifan took off to the Navy recruiting office after getting a draft notice from the U.S. Army. The Bond this month will show a different perspective. Active duty Navy wife Dawn Schultz shares her feelings on spending most of her first year of marriage apart from her sailor. Schultz also offers up her feelings on going back home to visit family, without her sailor, and how this year she is driving her returned sailor up the wall with her excitement for the holidays.

ON THE COVER: Santa Claus prepares for flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz on Christmas Day 2009. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jason Salata.

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Christmas and Desert Storm didn’t mix well at all

By THOM STODDERT

Christmas, a holy time, a family time, a special time. Yet, it can be so painful to soldiers and veterans. Stationed in Germany, exciting, festive — stationed in the Middle East, dismal, lonely! I saw both while assigned to Stuttgart, Germany. My first Christmas, the wall in Berlin came down, Germany was united, everything was celebratory. The next year everything was about Desert Storm and the coming war. The day the Iraqis invaded Kuwait, August 2, 1990, I signed in to Fort Sam Houston, Texas while my family was still back in Germany. It was an anxious time, while attending a school for senior NCO’s,

we lost one student after another. As they were each recalled back to their home units, they just stood up in the class and left, no word said, no goodbyes — it was “Saudi duty time!” Upon returning to Germany in October I was told I would not be deployed to Saudi Arabia as I would be needed for the expansion of 5th General Hospital, Stuttgart. However, a few days later I was given charge of a medical deployment team as part of the efforts to prepare other units to go to the Middle East. We worked from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., six days a week. This went on until the end of November. I watched Christmas appear in the stores, the streets, and the city and I looked forward

so much to spending some holiday time with my wife and young boys after being unavailable for so long. The team’s only highpoint was paying back to an inefficient finance clerk who screwed up our pay, every i m m u nization shot in the A r m y ’s inventory. T h e f i r s t Saturday of December, at 1:30 in the morning, I got the call informing me that I had been volunteered to reinforce a deploying field hospital. Once on the

ground in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, I was left feeling home-sick for Vietnam. If I’m at war again so be it — at least Nam was organized. I found s o m e thing that looked like a store and did my Christmas shopping; with my last few dollars I m ai l e d the two toys back to Stuttgart, in tears. Once we finished building a field hospital from the ground up, we sat and waited. In a briefing we

were told that we could expect 400 casualties a day. A very “green” officer did the math and suggested we could never possibly care for that many injured. The colonel quietly informed her, our own cots would be used, we would work until we dropped, and there would be a lot of people we could not save. To be back in the infantry in Vietnam was now a pipedream. Christmas day was cold, overcast, and very dreary. The Christmas tree the young enlisted medics brought from Germany had been placed in front of the mess-tent, not a single needle on it. For dinner we were given a treat, a choice of a white meat or a dark meat, neither of which we knew the

source of, but at least it wasn’t MREs. I never would have thought how much I could miss C-rations. We did not get the hundreds of allied casualties as promised, instead in March we got dozens of Iraqi children, the same age as my own, shot up by their own army during the revolt in Basra. Our enemy, some still in uniform, had brought their children to us knowing we would give them mercy and compassion. It was the American way. Merry Christmas.

By SERAINE PAGE

out of the butts. He quit smoking. Several days before Thanksgiving, Swyers was cooking in the kitchen listening to the “squawk box” when he and others received the news that John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. “You could see a big downturn,” he said of the holiday spirit. “It just kinda knocked the wind out of their sails.” But the crew carried on, and there was mashed potatoes, turkey and all the trimmings for Thanksgiving that year. Even though he wasn’t

home, he remembered that at least the food tasted like back home. Aside from a special holiday dinner, Swyers remarked that deployed sailors always looked forward to mail call, but it wasn’t always certain that packages would arrive in time for the holidays. Two or three months would sometimes roll by without a single piece of mail being delivered. It was the holidays which made Swyers yearn to be home. “It’s a lot different today,” he said of holiday deployment.

Thom Stoddert is a retired Army veteran having been an infantryman in Vietnam and a medic during Desert Storm.

Vets recall memories of holidays on deployment

Courtesy Photo

Santa lends a hand to some sailors aboard the USS Nimitz.

Four veterans, two from the Navy and two from the Army, shared their memories of being deployed during the holidays: Fritz Swyers Location: Okinawa, Japan; Branch: Navy There are a few things Fritz Swyers remembers about being deployed during the holidays. As a sailor, he recalls standing in line for grub and being handed a pack of cigarettes as a gift for the holidays. The cigarettes were from WWII, and when sailors lit up, worms would burst

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Douglas Dutter toes, cranberry sauce, turkey and homemade Locations: Bahrain; Philippines; middle of rolls. But, despite being deployed during turkey the Indian Ocean; Branch: Navy day, he can’t remember what he ate for supper The Christmas lights always made the inside the holiday he was gone. He spent a few holidays in Vietnam; he was there for 13 months. of the ship a little bit brighter, especially when “I can’t remember that meal, so I must have mail call came way late. It didn’t happen just been flying,” said the retired Command Sgt. once, but multiple times while Douglas Dutter Major. “The days all run together.” was deployed to sea. Usually the only time soldiers could get off “Letters came late; packages came late,” he the boats and explore was when ships were due said. “The cookies were still good. The candy for maintenance. Other than that, the most was a little hard.” exciting things one would see were the walls But it was always worth the wait. Groups inside the ship. Except for the one time Bob of sailors would gather around berthing and Hope flew over to visit troops. That brought a sit to watch each other open packages. They’d lot of excitement, McKee recalled. Hope flew share amongst themselves. Sometimes Dutter would pick out what he wanted and leave a box over for his annual “Bob Hope Christmas Show” as a way to bring some entertainment to behind for others to enjoy. He still is involved troops in an otherwise grim situation. in sending out calling cards and packages to “We had a chance to guard Bob Hope,” he those who are deployed during the holidays said, a huge smile spreading across his face. because he remembers how much it meant For Christmas, visiting with friends, enjoyto him when he was away from home. But, ing a traditional meal and throwing around Dutter admits he is a little jealous of the sailors a football was a soldier’s idea of a good time nowadays. “They are spoiled now,” he said. “They’ve got while deployed, McKee said. “There was not TV to speak of. We did have cell phones and Skype. They have more now a radio,” he said. and use technology to get as close as they can.” But most of the stations were in Vietnamese. Today’s deployments weren’t like they were When the holidays came around, it wasn’t back then. When pulling into port, sailors his own bed or entertainment that McKee knew to get their name on the phone list. Each missed the most. What he missed dearly was one had exactly three minutes to call home. his family, including a twin brother. Even Despite missing family and not being able though he volunteered for the draft for two to talk with loved ones long, Dutter warmly years and spent a good amount of time away recalled his memories of Christmas in the from home, McKee loved it. The draft took Philippines. Tiny children sang Christmas carols to the incoming sailors. Santa Claus greeted him off on Feb. 6, 1967. sailors on the pier. “I enjoyed my job,” he said. “I knew God was Back on the ship, the heaviest guy was watching over me.” dressed as Santa. And, one holiday, some lucky Glen Kent sailors had a chance to meet with the Dallas Location: Vietnam, Lane Army Airfield; Cowboy cheerleaders. Branch: Army It was the turkey and mashed potatoes that As a helicopter mechanic for three years in always reminded Dutter of home. the Army, Glen Kent had work to do all the “We always had ham and turkey,” he said. time. Even though there was always something Now, as a retired vet, Dutter does his best to make sure deployed troops still get a little Leanne Sandchez, CTA, DS piece of home. When his sonMilitary Owner/Manager in-law deployed, he was sure Specials to send goodies, just like he Available knows he appreciated when he was away. Voney McKee Location: North of Saigon; HOOD CANAL TRAVEL, INC. Branch: Army, 2 years; Army Educated professionals Creating Memories Reserves, 26 years 360/275-2831 Voney McKee always had 360/275-2832 P.O. Box 939 the normal Thanksgiving dinhoodcanaltravel@gmail.com 23150 NE St. Rt. 3 ner growing up: mashed potawww.hoodcanaltravel.com Belfair, WA 98528

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A member of the flight deck crew aboard the USS Nimitz dons some Santa gear while directing a pilot into position. to be done, Kent said the dining halls usually celebrated with the specialty food of the holiday. Kent spent Christmas in Vietnam one year. The other two Christmases he spent on United States soil in Montana and Oklahoma. “The mess halls used to try to present a traditional holiday meal,” he said. “I don’t remember anything in particular about the ones in Vietnam.” His mother did send him care packages, which was always a nice surprise and change from the day-to-day work schedule. For him, the isolation of being away from loved ones was the hardest part of the holidays. For currently deployed troops, he highly rec-

ommends staying in touch as much as possible. Back then, means of communication was only by “snail mail” which wasn’t and still isn’t the most desirable way to communicate, he said. “It’d take a week or 10 days to get a letter one way or another,” he said. While there, Kent tried to keep his focus on why he was drafted instead of the fact that he was missing a family meal back home. “I went to do what I was supposed to when I was supposed to,” he said. “Everyone pays something for that experience, some pay an awful lot for it.”

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VETERANS LIFE | 5

Navy Reservist shares his experience providing peace of mind at home and abroad By DOUGLAS H. STUTZ PUBLIC AFFAIRS, NAVAL HOSPITAL BREMERTON

There are Individual Augmentee tales to tell, stories to share and duties to describe, as well as honoring those doing the telling,

sharing and describing. That is exactly what took place on Nov. 15, at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor Chapel as Navy Region Northwest Fleet and Family Support Center hosted the “Heroes Welcome” recognition cer-

emony. The annual event has been tailored specifically for all active duty and activated reservist men and women who have deployed as an Individual Augmentee (IA).

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Celebrate the season! Please join us for FREE, family-fun events: • Elf Movie • SK High School Marching Band • Pooch & Purr on Parade Costume Contest • Christmas Lane Decorated Boat Contest • Choirs and Community Sing-Along • Jingle Bell Boutique – Gift Fair

• Holiday Tree Lighting and Clock Tower Chimes • Arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus • Mary Shaver’s Marionettes performing The Shoemaker and the Elves • Free Hayrides, Crafts, and Refreshments

Presented by the City of Port Orchard and these generous sponsors: Kitsap Bank, our presenting sponsor. Arthritis Foundation - Pacific Northwest Chapter, Brad Page - Caseco, Del’s Feed & Farm Supply, Dennis & Michele Simpson - Santa & Mrs. Claus, Dragonfly Cinema, Fathoms O’ Fun, Jones Tree Farm, Olympic Peninsula Antique Tractor Club, Port of Bremerton - Port Orchard Marina, Port Orchard Bay Street Association, Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, Port Orchard Library, Saints Car Club, Sinclair Inlet Yacht Club, Wave Broadband & Port Orchard Independent

VETERANS LIFE |

An IA is a U.S military member assigned to a unit, battalion or company that can be used to fill shortages or can be used when an individual with specialized knowledge or skill sets is required. Each IA will be honored who has served in that capacity, including one activated reservist officer who will share his challenges of being mobilized and the associated impact on career and family, and also touch upon his duty and accomplishments while deployed. In his civilian job as an American Family Insurance agent, Barry Doll understands giving people peace of mind by providing dependable protection for their personal auto, home, business, and life needs. As a lieutenant of the Supply Corps in the Navy Reserve working overseas as a logistical officer, Doll found himself providing another form of peace of mind that was based on professional safety and security needs. Assigned to Combined Special Operations Force Task Force 10 at Camp Vose, Kabul, Afghanistan, Doll took on the task of becoming a contracting officer to handle the need of constructing seven forward operating bases, all within a 200-mile radius of Kabul. It was his duty to ensure that the fortified Special Forces bases were built to specifications for the Task Force members, not only U.S. military personal but also soldiers from other coalition nations such as Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Norway, Romania and Slovakia.

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“Knowing that what I was doing was helping keep our SPECOPS force personnel safe was a gratifying feeling, Most of the time they were out running to Harm’s Way. But in my way, I did help them be safe during down time back at one of the bases,” said Doll. For Doll, deploying as a reservist was a number of firsts for him; he went to a landlocked, battle scarred land that was still in the midst of the ongoing deadly turmoil after three decades of war; he went as an officer; he went as an Individual Augmentee; and he went from the wellrespected local insurance business he and his wife, Debbie, were successfully managing to being thrust into the uncertainty. He was asked to basically start up a vital, needed, contracting department to take care of all the coordination and facilitation of constructing needed bases, not to mention negotiating and navigating the with additional caveats attached, such as utilizing local Afghan companies for the work needed. Doll had spent a decade in the Navy earlier in his career. The North Dakota native was Sailor of the Year at Naval Hospital Bremerton in 1998 as a Culinary Specialist First Class. He had also logged a Western Pacific deployment on the fast combat support ship, USS Sacramento. “So we knew what a six month WESTPAC was about,” said Debbie, “but this one-year IA was completely different that anything we had ever done. It was really different this

time around. One of the differences Debbie noticed almost immediately was that when Barry was assigned to the Sacramento, there was a ship’s wives club that she could go to. But as the spouse of a Reservist heading on an IA deployment, there was no one here that was going through what she was; having a spouse deployed, a business to still run, a home to manage and three teenagers to supervise. “For our children — Elizabeth, Christian Joseph — it was really the first time that their dad was gone and there was some dynamics at play there,” recalled Debbie. “We figured out how to use Skype and Facebook and that helped keep the lines of communication open.” But even with the advent of social media and electronic mail replacing the old fashion “snail mail” method of staying in touch with home, the Dolls discovered that using new technology could also create a few new issues. Barry tried to still engage in managing the company and engage in his role as father, but he found at times he didn’t have the full picture to adequately provide as much support as he anticipated. “One of the manager challenges I found was learning to let go from afar. Debbie knows the business and she was the one still at home. Personally I had anxiety departing and going to a war zone, but I also felt very capable with her and the staff at our business. It might not grow but at least

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it will maintain. If I didn’t have Debbie, I would have had a lot more anxiety leaving,” explained Barry. Barry is one of the Navy’s Ready Reserves 109,738 members, which currently has 4,491 mobilized as of the middle of October. Many of those are currently down range in some capacity in Afghanistan. Most have left their civilian job, position or career to wear the cloth of their nation. Deployments tend to be regularly scheduled for active duty Sailors with a ship, submarine or squadron. They embark, deploy and return as a team. An IA is just that, a singular, isolated individual filling a needed billet with another group, far afield. The camaraderie that exists with a whole unit or command deploying isn’t quite there for an IA. Barry notes that there was approximately 30 days to get his affairs in order, get necessary qualifications, and get all squared away. “When we’re active duty, you’re in that mode. But when you have a civilian career, there’s just a lot more to prepare and get ready for, not only to go on deployment, but also with the family and job at home,” he said. Debbie attests that by attending the Heroes’ Welcome last year, there was comfort knowing others were in her same position or had been there, in being separated and basi-

cally without a support group. “But I didn’t develop any relationships there,” she said, adding that with no family in the area, and no real connection to the active duty military community, the key for her was being a member of her surrounding, overlapping communities from work, from their church and from their home. Her primary support group was made up of their church as well as being active with communityaffiliated organizations. “The Bremerton VFW and Port Orchard and Silverdale Chambers (of Commerce) were all very supportive,” she said. With Debbie handling the home front, Barry’s assignment to the SPECOP task force as a Navy supply officer in a joint command brought not just a new assignment, but an entirely different work environment. “I was told this is what we need, we don’t know how to go about it, so go ahead and do it,” explained Barry as he was told he would become the contracting officer. He immediately took background educational contracting courses on line to reinforce some snippet of training he already had from Navy Supply Corps School. That training was augmented by on-the-job experience and a ‘learn-asyou-go’ regimen. Doll was responsible for ensuring that force protec-

Courtesy Photo

Port Orchard resident Lt. Barry Doll, who works in Silverdale, poses for a photograph at one of the seven bases around Kabul, Afghanistan, that he was responsible for ensuring were built to specifications as the contracting officer for the Special Operation team he was assigned. Doll was highlighted in a special vignette by Navy Region Northwest Fleet and Family Support Center at this year’s “Heroes Welcome” recognition ceremony Nov. 15 in the Naval Base Kitsap Bangor Chapel. He was honored on behalf of all Individual Augmentee active duty and activate reservist personnel. tion walls, gates, bunkers for personnel and ammunition; tactical operations center, billets, latrines, showers, gymnasiums, medical and dental facilities, along with coordinating other base needs such as fuel stowage and usage, waste product setup and pickup, portable water requirements, garbage collection and cleaning duties were all in place. “There was really no one to share on how to do this job. The challenge was to do it right. There was no instructional guidance yet

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established bur we made it and hopefully have provided a path of instruction for those that follow,” said Barry. Along with dealing with the expected national, social and ethnic difference of the local nationals and Coalition force personnel, Barry also had to learn the U.S. Army culture, which as any Navy person can attest to, can be difficult at times, even beyond terminology, acronyms and synonyms. “The differences between the Army and Navy are

real. Being in the Army environment meant adjustments. It also seemed like someone in the Army had to ask for permission to do anything,” said Barry. “But Special Forces have a bit more autonomy than others and I was expected to perform at a high level. As they did.” But Doll’s duties also afforded him autonomy. Lock-and-loaded — and armed and with a sizable escort group — he would travel from one base to another for everything from technical analysis to using

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interpreter-assistance to go over contract requirements with Afghan companies hired to handle the actual construction process, that was a chore in itself due to the cultural difference in not only conducting business arrangements but caring out the actual work. “It would be a challenge at times getting material and supplies on time and getting some companies to provide what they said they could provide,” Barry said. Yet for all the travails, trials and tribulations, the deployment was a memorable one. Barry’s advice to those following on such an assignment is to ‘hit the ground running and take the job — whatever it might be — seriously and excel. “This really is a chance to shine. There are guys who let the time go by and don’t do as much as they could or should,” said Barry. The designated IA assignment for the Reservist overseas was possible because of both Dolls — Barry took on the challenge and met the demands of taking charge of important down range duties, just as Debbie took on the challenge and handled the demands of all the overlapping responsibilities at home. They both proved exactly what an insurance agent and Navy family does — provide personal and professional peace of mind, at home and abroad.

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Hawk memorial focuses on hero’s life after the war By KEVAN MOORE Medal of Honor recipient John D. “Bud” Hawk didn’t like being called a hero and preferred the moniker of SOB. That, of course, stands for “Sweet Old Bud.” Friends and family members remembered Hawk at a large memorial service at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds Pavilion on Veterans Day. In addition, several dignitaries were at the

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ceremony, including fellow Medal of Honor recipient Ty Carter, Governor Jay Inslee, Congressman Derek Kilmer and others. Several speakers talked about Hawk’s life after the war. Many of them focused on his passion for teaching and education. Vicki Barton was one of Hawk’s fifth-grade students and he inspired her to become a teacher. She eventually worked at Brownsville while Hawk was the principal there, fulfilling one of her dreams. “I walked into his classroom shaking in my saddle shoes because he fought in World War II and he had medals to prove it,” Barton said. “It didn’t take long for me to realize that my new teacher was one who truly liked kids. He

Pearl Harbor survivor Major Maynard “Rocky” Hoffmann salutes during a Veterans Day celebration that preceeded a memorial for Medal of Honor recipient John D. “Bud” Hawk. loved to teach and we loved going to school every day.” Barton said Hawk didn’t like to talk about

his heroic actions or being called a hero. “But he’d kid around with us about being bald — a bullet blew off his

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medal of honor was not the correct phrase. He told us that he was the recipient of the medal. And then he’d add, there are no winners in war.” Ann Lowrie, one of Hawk’s former assistant principals, also spoke at the memorial service. “Bud was a hero, not just in the army, but in education,” she said. “Just ask any of his former students and colleagues; they’ll tell you, ‘Mr. Hawk was my hero.’” Another former student of Hawk’s at Brownsville, Ward Scott, who went on to be a lifelong friend, also spoke at Monday’s memorial. “You know, his medal deserved respect,” Ward said. “But, when you got to know him, it was his character that earned that respect.” Scott described Hawk was a teacher, a mentor and a friend. “When you wrap up the whole package, he was sort of like having a second dad,” Ward said, before thanking Hawk’s children Mark Hawk and Marilyn Harrelson for sharing their dad with students and educators.

Kevan Moore/Staff Photo

An Honor Guard prepares a flag for John “Bud” Hawk’s daughter, Marilyn Harrelson, during a memorial service at the pavilion at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Many other speakers talked about Hawk’s love of chopping wood, driving in his truck with country music blaring and fishing. Hawk was born May 30, 1924, in San Francisco. He graduated from Bainbridge Island High School in June of 1943 and joined the U.S. Army just two weeks later. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry. For his heroic actions on Aug. 20, 1944, around Chambois, France, Hawk earned the Medal of Honor. He also earned four Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, Distinguished Conduct Medal from the United Kingdom and was inducted into the French Legion of Honor. Returning to Kitsap County, he was treated to a parade in his honor which initiated what is now known as the Armed Forces Day Parade. He enrolled at Olympic College to go about earning his teaching certificate before transferring to the University of Washington. He began his career at Tracyton Elementary and eventually transferred to Brownsville Elementary and soon became the school’s principal. He went on to open Woodlands Elementary and became its first principal. He retired in 1983 after 31 years. Rocky Hoffman (photo on previous page) will be a part of the Pearl Harbor Day celebration at Keyport.

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A battlefield cross and portrait of Hawk at his memorial.

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VETERANS LIFE | 9

Marines make sure Christmas happens for area kids By LESLIE KELLY Santa and the elves ain’t got nothin’ on Sam Martin and Gina Coy. In fact, they could take lessons from them. Martin and Coy are the powerhouse behind this year’s U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots drive in Kitsap County. Martin has 34 years of experience with the drive and Coy, who has been participating since she was a teenager, has been working with Martin on the Kitsap drive for the past three years. It’s through their hard work, and that of about 75 to 100 other volunteers, that more than 2,500 children and teens in Kitsap County get toys and gifts each year at the holidays. “Once you see the smiles on the kids’ faces,” Martin said, “You never have to question why you’re involved in this.” Toys for Tots in Kitsap County works a bit differently than in other locales. Members of the local Marine

Leslie Kelly /Staff Photo

Sam Martin, right, and Rich Culley sort toys that have come in for the 2013 Toys for Tots drive in Kitsap County. Martin is a retired Marine and Culley is a volunteer with the Glass Odyssey Corvette Club that supports Toys for Tots. Corps League put out bins and accept toy donations beginning Nov. 17. They also collect financial donations. Active duty Marines stand guard at drop sites at the Kitsap Mall and other places during the holiday shopping rush. All the toys are stock-

piled and sorted in the Van Zee building at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds until Dec. 14 when a big party happens during which toys are given to needy children and teens. “It’s been our tradition that we host a party,” said Wilson. “We have a couple

of Santas there for the kids to talk to, lots of decorations, and we give them candy canes and gifts.” This year’s party is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Presidents’ Hall and those who can attend are qualified at the door by showing proof that they are on some kind of

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county or state assistance program. “Santa tells the children at the party to take their toys home and put them under the Christmas tree and then on Christmas morning remember that they got their toys early because Santa needed to get a head start on the delivery process,” Martin said. Last year, local Marines gathered 7,000 toys which allowed each child who attended to have two toys, with some to spare. Toys are kept in a storage unit that is provided to the campaign at no charge by United Moving and Storage on Highway 303. Martin hopes to beat that number this year. “Until you attend one of these parties, you don’t realize how much need there is in Kitsap County,” he said. “There are a lot of poor families right here.” Typically, the age groups that are least often donated for are babies and toddlers ages 0 to 4 years, and boys and girls ages 10 to 13 years. “When we get financial

donations, we can use those to go and buy toys or gifts for the age groups where we come up short in donations,” he said. There is a $30 cap on what can be spent on each gift, he added. For several years, Joanne Gavin has been the local Toys for Tots coordinator. This year, Coy is in training to take over that position after working alongside Martin and Gavin the past three years. Coy became familiar with Toys for Tots when she was young and living in New Mexico. “My father was a Marine and he and my mom did a lot with Toys for Tots,” she said. “Where we were in New Mexico, there wasn’t a program. So my parents started it.” Coy has lived half her life in New Mexico and half in Bremerton, where her father was stationed early-on in his military career. As an adult she moved back to Kitsap County and linked up with Martin to help with Toys for

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Tots here. “She went to school with my youngest daughter,” Martin said of Coy. “So I got her to join on with us.” The coordinator position means “tons of phone calls” organizing volunteers for every aspect of the toy drive. Coordinators also have to make sure there are snacks and meals donated to feed the volunteers while they are working. Martin helps out and is the go-between with the Marines and the national Toys for Tots organization. He’s hoping that he can pass on all the work to Coy in 2014. “I’m getting old and I need to make sure someone can carry on after me,” he said. His desire to helps children came after his service in Vietnam. “When I was injured, I was in the hospital in Saigon,” he said “At the other end of my floor were kids

who has been burned with napalm. It was so heartbreaking to see children hurt like that, that I promised myself I would do something to make the world a better place for kids. Being a Marine, Toys For Tots seemed like the right thing.” Volunteers begin setting up and decorating Presidents’ Hall, where the party is held, a few days prior. All the toys are moved and arranged by age groups. This is the last year that Kitsap County will provide the buildings at the fairgrounds at no charge to Toys for Tots, Martin said. “Starting next year, the county has told us they’re going to have to charge us rental fees for the building where we collect the toys and for Presidents Hall where we have the party,” he said. “That’s a real problem for us because we can’t pay those fees. All the money we get

goes directly to purchase toys. So come next year, I’m not sure we’ll have a toy drive or a party.” But for now, Martin and Coy are focused on this year’s event. Toys can be dropped off through Dec. 8 at the Van Zee building at the fairgrounds Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop boxes are also located at the Kitsap Mall, the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce in the mall, and ToysRUs, 3567 NW Randall Way in Silverdale. After the party, until Dec. 18 toys will continue to be collected (at drop sites) and will then be distributed to children in need through local social service agencies or stored for next year’s drive. Martin wants everyone to know that anything — toys and money — that is given in Kitsap County stays in Kitsap County to help chil-

Leslie Kelly /Staff Photo

Sam Martin “tests” all the stuffed animals by giving them a hug. dren here. He said the local Marine League has about 35 active members and they hold car washes and do security at the Kitsap County Fair & Stampede rodeos to earn money to cover the administrative costs of their part in the annual Toys For Tots campaign. He’s looking for some sponsorships so that he can buy the volunteers and the active duty Marines who participate gift cards, certificates or plaques to honor them. He can be reached at 360-692-7233. Martin added, whenever anyone asks him if he believes in Santa, he says, “Yes.” “Because I get his bills,” he said.

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CHATTER Talk about veterans from around the web PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY SET On Dec. 7 at the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, a “Lest We Forget” ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. for the 20th annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance event. Local Pearl Harbor survivors are scheduled to share their personal memories of the attack in Hawaii. Capt. David K. Kohnke, Commander of NUWC Keyport, will serve as the master of ceremonies with Capt. Mike Mathews, retired Navy and Cmdr. Erik Neal, also retired Navy. They will provide an overview of the attack while a slideshow of the day’s events are shown. Navy Band Northwest will provide instrumental music. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact NUWC Keyport’s Public Affairs Office at kypt_pao@navy.mil or 360-396-2699.

VFW TO HOST CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR VETERANS VFW Post No. 239 will host a Christmas dinner on Dec. 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the post location. Sailors who would otherwise eat alone for the holiday are invited to attend the event as well. Food donations will also be accepted for the meal. The dinner will be held at 190 Dora Ave. For more information, call 360-3776739.

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TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION AT VFW POST Veterans from VFW Post No. 239 in Bremerton are currently collecting toys for the Toys for Tots Foundation at their location. The toys must be brand new and unwrapped for donation. An official Toys for Tots cardboard collection box is inside the post, and anyone is welcome to drop off toys for needy families. Most campaign sites seek toys for children up to age 12, but can also accommodate toys appropriate for teens up to 16 years old. The drop-off location is located at 190 Dora Ave.

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OneMain Financial will provide area residents and customers an opportunity to participate in the American Red Cross’s annual Holiday Mail for Heroes program, a way for Americans to show their gratitude and best wishes to those who serve our country, veterans and their families by signing and sending holiday cards.

From now until Dec. 6, during its Customer Appreciation Days, the OneMain Financial branch at 10408 Silverdale Way NW will provide and mail holiday cards for the community to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer to our nation’s heroes. OneMain Financial partners with the American Red Cross on this project to show its philanthropic and community-oriented mindset. Employees leverage their professional skills and experience by volunteering their time directly to community organizations. The holiday cards being offered by the Silverdale OneMain Financial branch offers the local community a chance to join tens of thousands of Americans across the U.S. in providing a welcome “touch of home” to our troops, veterans and military families during the holiday season. Red Cross volunteers across the United States and on military installations overseas sort and deliver the cards throughout the holiday season. The Red Cross has received and distributed more than 6.5 million cards for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families since the program began in 2006.

SBA HAS NEW MEASURE TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS WASHINGTON – The U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced new measures to help get small business loans into the hands of veterans by setting the borrower upfront fee to zero for all veteran loans authorized under the SBA Express program up to $350,000. This initiative will start on Jan. 1, 2014, and continue through the end of the fiscal year. “Our nation’s veterans are highlyskilled and highly-trained leaders in their communities,” said Acting SBA Administrator Jeanne Hulit. “This initiative will set fees to zero for SBA Express loans to veterans up to $350,000, and is part of SBA’s broader efforts to make sure that veterans have the tools they need to start and grow a business. As we honor our veterans and thank them for their service and sacrifice, let’s continue to identify ways to support them when they come home.” Of all SBA loans that go to veterans, 73 percent are $350,000 and below. The SBA Express Loan Program, which supports loans under $350,000, is SBA’s most popular loan delivery method, with nearly 60 percent of all 7(a) loans over the past decade being authorized through the program. Since the program’s inception, it has also been one of the most popular delivery methods for getting capital into the hands of veteran borrowers.

Building on SBA’s recent announcement that for the current fiscal year, fees on loans for $150,000 and under are set to zero, this policy announcement means that veteran borrowers will no longer have to pay an upfront fee for any loan up to $350,000 under the SBA Express program. This new initiative will go into effect Jan. 1 and extend for the duration of the fiscal year. This will make the loans cheaper for the borrower, another way SBA is looking to serve small business owners as they look for ways to access capital. For more information about these and other SBA programs, visit the SBA website at www.sba.gov, or contact your local SBA field office.

BOEING INCREASES ITS COMMITMENT TO VETERANS SEATTLE – Boeing has increased its commitment to veterans and military personnel in the Puget Sound region with four grants, it was announced on Veterans Day. The grants, totaling $625,000, support military members, veterans and their families throughout Puget Sound. “Boeing and its employees greatly appreciate the deep sacrifices our nation’s military personnel, veterans and their families make,” said Elizabeth Warman, director of Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship for the Northwest region. The grants include: Military and Veterans Action Summit received $50,000. The statewide summit convened more than 80 public, private and non-profit representatives last July at IslandWood on Bainbridge Island to create a broad, cross-cutting and community-based strategy to address the needs of military members, veterans and their families in Washington state. Boeing also will sponsor a follow-up summit in 2014. Tacoma Goodwill “Operation GoodJobs” received $75,000 to assist military members and unemployed veterans in the transition to civilian employment and economic selfsufficiency. The program provides comprehensive employment and related support services, such as intensive case management, mental health and financial counseling, personalized career planning and job placement. RallyPoint/6, based in Lakewood, received $300,000 to open a comprehensive center to address the education, training, health and human services, employment and housing needs of military members, veterans and their families. RallyPoint/6 anticipates serving 2,400 people per year.

Here’s an introduction to Veterans Affairs BY THOM STODDERT US Army retired The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has many benefits and requires different types of evidence for each. First one must understand one thing: the VA is made up of three different organizations, just as there is the Army, Navy, and Air Force. A Cemetery Administration manages issues related to the burial of veterans. The Hospital Administration (VHA) provides medical care and other benefits related to health and safety. The Benefits Administration (VBA) provides a variety of programs. However, these three agencies may not communicate well with each. In other words a veteran may have to deal with medical treatment (VHA) at the same time seeking compensation (VBA) for a chronic medical condition that was caused during military service. Since the most common business is with the VBA, let’s focus on those folks. The Regional Offices of the VBA in each state

Navy veteran to run for 35th Josiah Rowell, former sailor from the USS John C. Stennis and Central Kitsap High School Alumni, has announced his intent to run for the Washington State House of Representatives in 2014. Rowell will run for the 35th District, Position 1, currently held by Rep. Kathy Haigh, D-Shelton. A republican, he will be running on a platform focusing on quality of life to include education, jobs and safe communities.

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The most common programs are Compensation, Dependent’s Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and Pension. The largest and most sought after benefit is compensation for reoccurring medical problems linked to military service or a health condition aggravated by military duty. Compensation benefits must have evidence of being linked to military service or diagnosed within a reasonable time

after being discharged. Compensation payments are determined by medical evidence that describes the amount of disability or impairment affecting the veteran as determined in percentage points. Thus a veteran rated at 50 percent is considered to have lost 50 percent of his or her potential in economic and social activities. They call this legal determination for a medical issue as being “service connected” and can be made only by the VBA. If the medical condition worsens, higher levels of payment can be awarded as the Rating Percentage increases. A veteran at any time during his life can make a claim for compensation of injuries/diseases incurred in the service. However, it’s best not to wait as it becomes more difficult to find accurate and complete evidence from military and civilian sources. Again the medical condition must be chronic and there must be evidence linking it to military service. A veteran should always consider is how VA programs can affect their

survivors in the future, thus there are the DIC program and the Pension program. Dependents Indemnity Compensation provides a monthly monetary payment to unmarried widows and eligible children of deceased veterans. The evidence must show that the vet was considered totally and permanently disabled by the VA for at least ten years prior to death. There is eligibility if the veteran dies after being considered totally disabled for five years from the day of discharge. The Pension program is for veterans and/or spouses who are too disabled to work. Additionally, the veteran has at least one day of wartime service, and their income is below a certain level. The VA will make payments to bring the claimant up to a determined financial level and this may be offset by other forms of income such as Social Security. Pension as well as the other programs can be paid at higher levels when there is medical evidence showing a higher level of

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care is needed. These levels are called Housebound, when the claimant cannot leave their home in a normal manner and Aid&Attendance, when more skilled medical care is needed. For information contact the VA at 1-800-3271000 or speak with a veteran service officer from a nationally accredited organization with no financial gain in their advocacy. Thom Stoddert is a retired Army veteran having been an infantryman in Vietnam and a medic during Desert Storm. Before working as a freelance writer for Veteran Affairs, he worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs deciding

compensation claims and translating VA law into normal language. He has written a number of articles on the exploitation of veterans resulting in a cooperative network with various state and federal agencies. Presently, he is a staff writer for the national monthly veteran’s paper the Veterans’ Voice. He held voting positions on the Medical Research Ethics Review Board at the VA’s Seattle Medical Center, Washington State Veterans Legislature Council, and Thurston County Veteran Advisory Board. His columns will appear monthly in Veterans Life. You can contact him at StoddertWork@gmail.com.

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Leadership, teamwork skills make vets ideal filmmakers

Vets are using the Post 9/11 GI Bill to develop new careers CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

Nashville, Tenn. — Military veterans and film school. At first glance, that might not sound like a combination you would expect. However, one film school is finding that many of their students and graduates are, in fact, vets. The Nashville Film Institute (NFI) is located in Nashville and is proving to be an attractive option for veterans looking to pursue a course of education upon leaving the United States military. At NFI, veterans are able to take advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that pays tuition and fees directly to the school, along with an annual books and supplies stipend and, where appropriate, a monthly housing allowance for an E-5 with dependents. Additionally, some veterans have taken

advantage of the VRAP Program to attend the NFI. “After serving my time in the Air Force, the military afforded me the opportunity to use the VRAP Educational

“When you put your blood, sweat and tears into a project, it’s rewarding to see it come together into something you love, you’ve created.” – Katrina Coe Program to attend NFI,” said military vet Dushawn Moses. “It has opened my eyes to an entire new way of life in the real world.” The NFI offers a 9-month diploma course that is intentionally fast-tracked and handson so that students can rapidly grasp the

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essentials of filmmaking and be prepared to find employment in the film industry with both knowledge and a valuable skill set. An example is Matthew Voss, a combat-decorated Army veteran with nearly 18 years of combat and reserve service, rising through the ranks from Private to Captain. Voss said that NFI, “Not only provided a total immersion into the process of filmmaking but also the proverbial ‘foot in the door’ with strategic partnerships with the film and television industries.” Veterans’ eligible VA dependents are also able to attend the NFI under the provisions of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Katrina Coe is a VA dependent who completed the NFI program in 2012. She has since gone on to a thriving career in the film industry and has already worked on two feature films, various short films and other projects including work as a PA for casting of NBC’s The Voice. She has a simple philosophy about her postNFI success. “You reap what you sow,” she said. “When you put your blood,

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U.S. Army veteran Danny McCracken is an NFI Film School graduate who has worked with Lions Gate, The Voice, Yamaha Entertainment Group and more. sweat and tears into a project, it’s rewarding to see it come together into something you love, you’ve created.”

But why are vets proving to be so successful, both as students and as graduates of the NFI, finding employment in the film industry?

“Vets come to us with two capabilities that are essential to filmmakers,” said NFI President Prema Thiagarajah. “In the military, they have learned the importance of teamwork but have also developed leadership skills. Filmmaking is definitely a team activity, but filmmakers also need to be able to make leadership decisions when necessary.” The Nashville Film Institute has created a page at their website with specific information for vets and their eligible dependents, with details about how the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing. The website is: www.thenfi.com, where several vets share their stories about filmmaking and the NFI. NFI President Thiagarajah believes that vets have a story to tell. “Our 9-month diploma course allows you to create while you learn,” she said. “You study with a camera in your hand.” For more information contact Prema Thiagarajah at 877-6273456 or prema@thenfi. com

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Veterans get lessons in the art of glassblowing It is a passion he will continue to cultivate. Based on his interests, Branam said glassblowing was a natural fit for him. “I’m a bit of a pyromaniac, I guess,” he said, laughing. “All of the smoke and fire — handling all of the molten material — is the big draw for me.” Museum of Glass officials hope veterans will feel the same. Active-duty military and veterans were given free admission on both Veterans Glassblowing Day and Veterans Day. “It has been amazing to see the connection military personnel have

BY CHRIS CHANCELLOR TACOMA — It’s demonstrated in a manner almost as simple as placing a log over a fire. As the experts at the Museum of Glass explain it, they want to keep the intricate process of molding glass into an array of shapes and colors as basic as possible for a dozen former soldiers who were invited to participate Nov. 9 in the first Veterans Glassblowing Day. “Because we have such a small amount of time to work with people and glassblowing is such a very technical, intensive, hands-on thing, we are keeping it really simple,” said instructor Courtney Branam, who compared many of the colorful finished works to fancy Japanese fishing f loats displayed on nearby beaches. “We’re either making an ornament or a glass f loat.” Among the participants was Tacoma’s Kurt Harsh, who served from 1986 to 2000 in various roles in the army. He estimated that he has visited the Museum of Glass about a handful of times each year, and when he heard about the opportunity to work with professionals at no cost, Harsh felt he had to take advantage of the opportunity. “This is my first experience,” he said. “It is something I’ve seen and have wanted to do for years. It was a great opportunity to actually get my hands on trying to blow glass. It’s something I’ve always been very curious about. I couldn’t pass it up.” Harsh said he and his wife long have collected glass artwork and he hopes to add the orange and lime green f loat he designed to their display cabinet. “Hopefully, I can convince my wife to put mine amongst it,” he said, laughing. “I’m looking forward to seeing how it turned out.” Branam did not serve in the military, but said he enjoyed the opportunity to work with sev-

Chris Chancellor /Staff photo

Courtney Branam, instructor, molds the heated glass. eral veterans. While he is used to people viewing his work from the bleachers, he is not used to working with novices on the hot shop f loor. “It’s just a nice way for the museum to give back,” Branam said. “It’s a special opportunity for people to come down and have a unique experience in the hot shop. It’s not something a lot of people are familiar with. We get to do this

every day, so it’s kind of fun to give back and share a little bit.” Branam, who commutes from Seattle, said glassblowing is similar to many hobbies where it takes years to become proficient. “It’s like learning to play a musical instrument,” he said. “I’ve been doing it for 20 years and I still feel like I’ve got so much to learn.”

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with our museum,” Susan Warner, director of the Museum of Glass, said. The Museum of Glass also began an affiliation with Joint Base Lewis McChord on Presidents’ Day. A class called “Hot Shop Heroes” was developed from that partnership. The next pilot class, which is limited to a dozen students, begins in January. There is no cost associated with the class. “That is a program that is going to work with returning soldiers recovering from physical or emotional issues,”

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said Alex Carr, digital media coordinator for the Museum of Glass. “We’ve been doing some glassblowing classes to help them regain confidence and teach them a new skill. It’s nice to see the arts and military uniting.” Harsh said he is happy to see the Museum of Glass providing resources for active-duty military and veterans. “I think that’s great,” he said. “It’s … giving them opportunities to try new things. It shows the community cares.” The museum is located at 1801 Dock St., Tacoma, phone: 253-396-1768.

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VETER ANS LIFE | 15

THE BOND/ LAST LOOK

My solo Christmas: a Navy wife with no husband By DAWN SCHULTZ I wasn’t naivé going into this. I’ve seen dozens of Lifetime holiday movies showing a sad young woman sitting alone in the dark by a Christmas tree, praying that Santa would somehow find a way to bring her deployed husband home for the holidays. In the movies, the handsome man in uniform always comes walking through the door at the perfect moment to hugs and tears. Believe it or not, that doesn’t happen in real life. Last March, after years of mostly long distance dating, I married the love of my life. He also happens to be a United States sailor. I also love the late fall and winter holidays. I looked forward to a Thanksgiving celebrated on the right day with home cooked food that didn’t end with a sad airport goodbye. I could not wait to finally have a Christmas that didn’t require strategic gift

buying that managed to magically fit in a suitcase, meet TSA guidelines, and that would be enjoyed. Like any lovesick newlywed, I especially looked forward to a midnight kiss on New Year’s Eve. I’ll save you the drawn out story, but through a series of unexpected twists, my husband broke the news to me that the Navy was going to have us apart for every single holiday, birthday, and anniversary during the first year of our marriage. Fast forward a few weeks into his deployment. I had settled into a routine that included work, taking care of our puppy, and checking my email an embarrassing number of times each day, and before I knew it, Christmas decorations were popping up in stores. For the first time in my life, I didn’t mind seeing these displays set up obnoxiously early. I had heard horror stories about packages taking months to arrive and wanted to make sure that my husband would have

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Despite spending the holidays alone last year, Dawn Schultz and her husband, Mike, were reunited in May when the USS Stennis returned to Bremerton. something to open. His first Christmas package was mailed in early November. Six days later, I got an email thanking me for the Christmas gifts and cookies. The local post office had gone into warp speed on this one. I panicked at the thought of being the only wife who couldn’t get a present to the ship at the appropriate time, and headed back to the store for ‘Operation Christmas in a Box,’ round two. I won’t say that I overreacted, but my husband also received no fewer than eleven Christmas cards from me last year. I quickly realized that I had no idea how to approach the holidays “correctly.” I was fortunate that my parents were able to fly out to spend Thanksgiving with me, which made a

huge difference. While visiting, my mom casually offered to help put up a Christmas tree and some lights. That night, I spontaneously hid my tree and ornaments behind the water heater in my apartment when I realized I would have to take it down later by myself. I also flew back to my hometown on Christmas Eve. A sweet elderly woman noticed my wedding ring and asked me why I was alone for Christmas. I smiled and responded that my husband was deployed and I was going to visit family. She immediately burst into tears, so I awkwardly tried to comfort her. This would become a trend over the next week of visiting with extended family members and old friends.

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I appreciated the support, but more often than not, I was smiling and nodding through their teary sentiments, while thinking, “Please stop talking so I can go eat that last slice of pie.” The holiday season

Contributed photo

Dawn Schultz played mind games with me. My husband affectionately refers to me as Business Barbie due to my typical “no time to cry” mindset.

I’m just not typically an emotional person. I spent New Year’s Eve with my in-laws and my best friend, and we ended up at a sports bar, laughing and playing pool. During the midnight countdown, my father-in-law gave me a hug and said “I wish he could be here for this.” For some reason, that was the moment everything hit me. You get some interesting looks from intoxicated individuals when you burst out crying in the middle of a crowded bar. In the end, I learned that however I chose to make it through the holiday season was fine. There’s a reason that there’s no guidebook for situations like this. I reminded myself that next year would be much better and embraced that time in my life for what it was and enjoyed it the best I could. This year, my husband is here. I’m driving him crazy between pulling him through the Christmas aisles, weeks before Thanksgiving and chattering about ideas for decorating our house. I’m loving every minute of it. The Bond/Last Look is a monthly column and your contributions are wanted. Share your stories of military service and your photographs taken while in the military. Send them to lkelly@soundpublishing.com or call 360-3089161, ext. 5050.

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GERMAN WIREHAIR Pointer Pups. AKC Registered. 8 Weeks Old. 2 Males, $700 Each. 6 Females, $800 Each. Bred b y P r o D o g Tr a i n e r. Natural Retr ievers on L a n d o r Wa t e r. G o o d garage sales - WA Po i n t e r s, E a s y t o Steady. Very Stylish and Athletic. Help Available Flea Market with Training. Wormed, Bazaars/Craft Fairs First Shots, Health Guar2500 TOW BAR / HITCH antee. Call: 360-383BAYVIEW TREE Farm. “Stowaway”. Good cond. 7164 U-Cut Nobles, Douglas $150. 253-884-4467. Fir, Grand Fir & “BREAK BUDDY” $150. STANDARD POODLE AKC POODLE Standard Wreaths. The far m in 253-884-4467. Super sweet puppies, Victor. E. 4673 Hwy 302 very intelligent and fami- at mile post #4. Approx 5 l y r a i s e d ! Tw o y e a r m i l e s S E o f B e l f a i r. health gauruntee. Adult Open November 29th weight between 50 - 55 thr u December 22nd, lbs. Black coloring;2 lit- Dawn to Dusk. Sign at t e r s 1 5 p u p p i e s Location. Tom & Karen available. 3 Brown color- Johnson, 360-275-3790 ing. 13 Black coloring. 4REASUREå(UNTING Accepting puppy deposits now! $1,000 each. #HECKåOUTåOURå2ECYCLERå Please call today 503ADSåBEFOREåSOMEONEå 556-4190. ELSEålNDSåYOURåRICHES

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pets/animals

| DECEMBER, 2013 NOVEMBER, @

Bazaars/Craft Fairs

GIG HARBOR Eagles Holiday Bazaar. Join us Saturday, December 7th from 9am-5pm and Sunday, December 8th from 9am-4pm for our annual scholarship gift and crafts fundraiser. 4425 Burnham Drive, Gig Harbor. Handcrafts, Holiday Decorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Gift Ideas and More! Free admission.

Bazaars/Craft Fairs

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Thank you for your sacrifice and service to our country

WINTER FEST, A Festive Holiday Experience featuring 200 Northwest Arts & Crafters. Specializing in Handcrafted Treasures and Gourmet Treats. Peninsula High School Thanksgiving Weekend! Hours: 9am5pm, Saturday, November 30th and 11am-4pm, Sunday, December 1st. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the Hall of Wreaths Silent Auction and the Food Fair. Arts & Crafts Fair located at Peninsula High School in Purdy, 14105 Purdy Drive NW, Gig Harbor, 98332

wheels Automobiles Hyundai

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10315 Silverdale Way NW Suite C01, Silverdale, WA 98383 Phone: 360.692.6800 Fax: 360.692.1379 info@silverdalechamber.com silverdalechamber.com

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Naval U ndersea Keyport Museum , WA

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Personal and Business Banking Mortgage and Commercial Lending Investment Services Local Bankers Ĺ? Local Decisions Ĺ? Local Focus

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THANK YOU Lieutenant Cordes. You were a Naval Surgeon assigned to a MilPHAP Hospital in Kien Giang Province IV CORP South Viet Nam in 1969 while I served there with US Army MACV Team 55. You initiaed a project to locate Vietnamese infants with cleft birth defects to offer corrective surgery as part of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;People to Peopleâ&#x20AC;? program. Our challenge was to overcome the perception that â&#x20AC;&#x153;people went tohospitals to dieâ&#x20AC;?. It was after the birth of a child with a cleft was born to the wife of a Vietnamese sergeant major, the unit commender ordered the sergeant major to allow surgery. Your compassionexpressed to that childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s XIZMV\[ ITWVO _Q\P \PM UIOVQĂ&#x2026;KQMV\ []KKM[[ WN \PM []ZOMZa [XZMIL Y]QKSTa 1 TMN\>QM\ 6IU IN\MZ UWZM _MZM KWUXTM\ML IVL UWZM [KPML]TML 1 _Q[P 1 SVM_ \WLIa PW_ UIVa KPQTLZMVaW] [I^ML IVL _PMZM aW] IZM [W 1 KW]TL \PIVS aW] QV XMZ[WV Butch Boad Reid Real Estate - Belfair, WA

Lieutenant Cordes MILPHAP Hospital, Rach Gia, Kien Giang Province 1969

DECEMBER, 2013

| VETERANS LIFE

Harrison HealthPartners primary care clinics. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re your neighbors on the Peninsula. Seven convenient locations on the Peninsula to serve you! You want the best healthcare for you and your family. That means top doctors and the latest technology, as well as compassionate care and convenience. Harrison HealthPartners is a rapidly expanding medical group associated with Harrison Medical Center. We provide award-winning, patient-focused healthcare to best meet the needs of families throughout the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. It is a privilege to be entrusted with your care, and we look forward to being your par tner in health.

Visit a Harrison HealthPartners primary care provider near you! Bainbridge Island Internal Medicine 206-780-6985 Belfair Primary Care 360-277-2950 Port Orchard Family Medicine and Internal Medicine 360-744-6250

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VETERANS LIFE |

D EC E M B E R 2 013

Forks Family Medical Center 360-374-6224 Silverdale Family Medicine & Dermatology 360-337-5800