Whidbey Crosswind The Puget Sound Veterans’ Monthly | July 2019
The truth is out there? Navy is investigating UFO sightings ❚ pg. 3 Whidbey Crosswind is a supplement of the Whidbey News-Times.
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SAR conducts rescue at Mount Stewart, evacuation in Forks A Search and Rescue team from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island rescued an injured man east of Mount Stewart June 15 and performed a medical evacuation of a victim of a drug overdose in Forks the next day.
old male suffering from a dislocated knee, possible leg fractures and hypothermia because of a rock strike and fall. The victim was near Colchuck Glacier, east of Mount Stewart, at the 7,000foot level.
On June 15, the SAR crew received a call in the late afternoon to rescue a 62-year-
Once on site, the SAR crew inserted two crewmembers to stabilize the patient, then
hoisted him onboard the helicopter. The crew transported the patient to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. At approximately 3 a.m., the next morning the SAR crew received a call to MEDEVAC 62-year-old comatose woman in Forks. Due to overcast weather, other medevac assets were unable to take the mis-
sion. The SAR crew had to approach Forks from the east in the South Fork Calawah River valley under the cloud deck. After picking up the patient, the SAR crew transported her to Harborview Medical Center, arriving by approximately 6 a.m.
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It’s unclear if UFOs spotted over Whidbey
Military is taking reports seriously as mystery deepens By JESSIE STENSLAND
jstensland@whidbeynewsgroup.com
Leaders in the Navy’s information warfare community are asking aviators around the world to report any unidentified flying objects they’ve seen. The Navy isn’t saying who saw what, so it’s unknown if anyone in a EA-18G Growlers or other aircraft from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island has spotted anything unusual in the skies over the island. Joe Gradisher, spokesman for Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare, explained that aircrews who report UFOs may face a stigma, so the Navy is keeping the reporting of sightings “generic” in hopes people won’t be discouraged from sharing the information. But it’s clear that there’s something out there, he said. “There have been incursions into our training ranges,” he said. “Pilots are seeing things that shouldn’t be there because it’s restricted air space.” “It’s all about safety and security,” he added.
The Navy’s information warfare community has the capability to gather and analyze a wide variety of data to try to figure out what the UFOs are, he said. The unknown objects have been all over the news lately. Harry Reid, former Senate majority leader, recently called on Congress to look into what the military knows about UFOs. Two years ago, it as revealed that the Department of Defense set up a program to investigate the unknown objects. The Navy is developing guidelines for pilots to report seeing UFOs. In the last couple of months, at least five Navy pilots stepped forward to talk about strange objects they saw almost daily while flying on the East Coast in 2014 and 2015. Some incidents were videotaped and show saucer-shaped objects. A Super Hornet pilot reported a nearcollision with one. While none of these pilots flew Growlers, there have been plenty of mysterious objects reported in the skies around NAS Whidbey.
Coupeville. The caller reported that it may have been lightning, but there were no clouds in the sky.
A mass sighting occurred on July 4, 2014 in a wide area that included Clinton; a total of 22 reports were received of three or more bright orange objects in the sky moving erratically. In 2005, a series of dead cats were found in Oak Harbor, many of which were cut in half. Law enforcement pointed to coyotes as the culprits, but famous paranormal investigator Linda Moulton Howe looked into it and suspected something otherworldly. A declassified Department of Defense video shows a UFO encountered by a Navy pilot. Several reports hve been made so far this year.
turned toward their boat and disappeared.
Two people reported to the Mutual UFO Network that they saw something unusual in the sky on March 1. A fisherman leaving Oak Harbor in a boat with two other people claimed to see “a shiny metallic rectangular object sitting or hovering over the water” as they headed to the San Juan Islands. They became concerned enough to turn away from the object, which then
“It either cloaked or sank” into the water, the reporting party said. It was very reflective and had three or four dark lines at top, which the reporting party perceived as vents or windows. At 7 o’clock that night, a person in Freeland reported seeing a white “star-like” object hovering over water. It slowly descended, turned green and briefly displayed
a red light underneath. It returned to hovering as a bright white light. Then, at about 1:30 a.m. May 24, a resident reported to 911 that there were flashes of light in the sky over Walmart in Oak Harbor, Rolling Hills and
It’s difficult to know how many UFOs are reported each year across the world since many groups and governmental agencies collect the information. The Mutual UFO Network reported receiving 7,606 reports last year, of which 25 percent were closed as “unknown.”
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New Leaf employee recognized for helping to keep base looking good By LAURA GUIDO
lguido@whidbeynewsgroup.com
D
espite their florescent yellow shirts, Bradd Fodor’s team members often go unnoticed as they work on the grounds at the Ault Field base.
That is, until recently, when the skipper himself recognized one of his most dedicated workers at New Leaf, Inc. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Commanding officer Capt. Matt Arny personally thanked Gene Pulu, a grounds worker for his excellent work and presented Pulu with his personal coin.
his hand today,” Pulu said of meeting Arny.
“I can’t believe I just shook
Pulu is entering his fourth
Gene Pulu works on the New Leaf grounds crew at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. He was recently recognized by the base commander for his work. Photos by Laura Guido/Whidbey News Group
Gene Pulu, of New Leaf, Inc. accepts a coin of recognition from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island base commander Capt. Matt Arny. year with New Leaf, an Oak Harbor nonprofit that helps provide employment to adults with disabilities. He’s part of
an 11-person grounds crew at the base and recently was also recognized by Source America for his “exceptional character, outstanding achievement and for setting inspiring work and life examples,” according to a press release. Pulu, while grateful for his individual recognition,
recognizes the hard work from everyone in the crew. Moments after receiving the coin from Arny, he said he wanted to show it to everybody he worked with. The crew members mow, trim and pick up trash to keep the property looking pristine. Pulu said he enjoys the work because it’s outside and because of who it benefits. “I like to work to help the military for their sacrifice and
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their service to our country,” he said. Arny said he appreciates the work that all of the New Leaf employees do each day. He said it’s evident from the condition of the grounds that they take pride in what they do, especially Pulu. “It’s an important job he does, and I’m glad he does it so well,” Arny said. The coin Arny presented to Pulu has the insignia of the air station on one side and the aircraft from Arny’s Navy background on the other. He said he gives them out to give recognition of great service and that Pulu “certainly earned it.” Pulu was badly burned as a young child and had to stay in the hospital for six months for his operation. Glen Kincaid, director of operations at New Leaf, told SourceAmerica that because of his appearance, it was difficult for Pulu to find employment. He came to Oak Harbor in the late 1990s to live near his brother. Pulu’s project manager, Bradd Fodor, said his whole crew does good work, but Pulu’s work ethic can be inspiring for the rest of the team. He recognizes that the team is only as strong as its weakest link, but Pulu is his strongest, he said. “Gene is pretty much the guy we can count on,” Fodor said. “He helps show what they’re capable of doing.”
Navy research vessel will get suped-up for service Like a classic car being restored, the research vessel (R/V) Roger Revelle is undergoing a year-long makeover to extend its working life, enhance its operating systems, and strengthen its research capabilities for the Navy and scientific organizations.
The Revelle’s laboratories will be updated to include advanced IT infrastructure and improved real-time communications with shore. Several critical sensor systems also will be replaced, providing upgraded scientific capabilities and increased reliability.
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego has operated and maintained the Navy-owned Revelle since 1996, under a charter lease agreement with the Office of Naval Research (ONR)—which manages the ship on behalf of the service.
The $52 million refit — sponsored by ONR, Scripps and the National Science Foundation — is a much better price tag than the $200 million it would have cost to build a new research vessel. And it will extend the Revelle’s life by another 15-20 years.
“This refit of the R/V Revelle is important because it bolsters the scientific and seagoing capabilities of a true workhorse of a ship,” said Dr. Tom Drake, head of ONR’s Ocean Battlespace and Expeditionary Access Department. The Revelle usually spends more than 250 days at sea yearly. “The refit will allow the Revelle to continue to support Navy and national oceanographic research objectives,” Drake continued. “It also enables additional years of service; hundreds of thousands of ocean miles sailed; research opportunities for thousands of scientists; and the training of the next generation of sea-going scientists and technicians.” During the mid-life refit — conducted in Portland, Ore., by Vigor Shipyard —the Revelle will receive brand-new diesel engines that run cleaner and more efficiently. The 273foot vessel will boast the latest navigation and ship-positioning systems—as well as sophisticated sonar, allowing it to map the ocean floor in sharper detail.
The Revelle is one of three Navy-owned research vessels undergoing refit. The R/V Thomas G. Thompson, operated by the University of Washington since 1991, completed its refit in 2018. The R/V Atlantis, operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution since 1997, is scheduled for refit in 2020.
“The Revelle belongs to a class of research vessels that can do things few other research ships can do,” said Stephen Kelety, marine superintendent at Scripps. “It can accommodate a large number of scientists and scientific equipment, operate in bad weather and high seas, and is adaptable to the research needs of the scientists onboard. It’s an important vessel for gathering scientific knowledge.” Since the end of World War II, the Navy has provided state-of-the-art research ships to select universities and oceanographic institutions to perform scientific studies of the marine environment. Currently, the Navy owns six of these vessels — part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, whose research at sea supports Navy and national oceanographic research objectives and trains the next generation of oceanographers.
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VA is going smoke-free this fall The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will implement a new policy restricting smoking by patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors and vendors at its health care facilities by October. Although VA has historically permitted smoking in designated areas, there is growing evidence that smoking and exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke creates significant medical risks, and risks to safety and direct patient care that are inconsistent with medical requirements and limitations. Accordingly, VA’s Veterans Health Administration has collaborated with key stakeholders to update and recertify the policy to be consistent with the department’s commitment to veterans and the community. A recent VA survey revealed that approximately 85 percent of responding facility leadership support smoke-free campuses, and this new policy for patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors and vendors allows VA to ensure the health and well-being of VA staff, patients and the public.
Port Townsend festival group takes lead to raise $50K for American Legion upgrade The American Legion in Port Townsend will begin a long overdue upgrade of its hall, on the corner of Water and Monroe streets, in July. The Port Townsend Film Festival, one of many organizations that rent the hall once a year, is taking the lead to help the Legion raise $50,000 to pay for insulation, permanent sound-proofing and fresh paint. “We thought this would
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be the perfect gift to give to the Legion for their 100th birthday,” PTFF Executive Director Janette Force said. Created in 1918 after the horror of World War I, the American Legion turned a century old last August. “The least we can do for the Legion is rally the community to donate for this upgrade which will benefit everyone,” Force said. “We want to have the money in hand by July 4,” so the contractor can begin the month-long project. Thrown up in just two months in 1941 as a USO dance hall for young soldiers leaving for World War II and returning, the Legion acquired the building in 1946. The members have struggled for years to pay the heating bills for the uninsulated building. With no windows, the hall heats up almost unbearably in summer during events and in winter, the heat-
ing bill is astronomical. And with 32-foot-high ceilings, uninsulated walls and wood floors, sound bounces all over the room and can be deafening when the hall is filled with people. “We figured out a way to mitigate echo by stringing up black, fireproofed padded blankets, wall to wall, for the three-day festival,” Force said. “It works pretty well in a dark theater and is our plan B, if we can’t raise the $50,000. We already leave them up after our festival for other community events, but they are gloomy, if, say, someone is planning a wedding reception there.” The building upgrade got underway this year under Cmdr. Charles Thomas, financial officer Andy Okinczyc and club manager Bob Saring. The first project was to sand and seal the floors, which to everyone’s
surprise were solid maple. The Legion now has about $5,000 on hand for this next phase. “We are willing to risk our financial necks for this,” said Force, whose board has discussed giving the Legion $23,000 to order building materials before fundraising is complete. “The Festival’s ultimate goal is to play well with others, and we do whatever we can to build and nurture community.” Donations designated for the American Legion project can be made at the PTFF website, www.ptfilmfest. com or by calling the Film Festival’s office at 360-3791333. PTFF is a 501c3 nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible. “If you’d like to give a donation in honor of someone in your family or a friend who served in the military, let us know,” Force said.
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VA partners with Microsoft to improve rural veterans’ access to online services
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Microsoft Corp., recently formed a partnership that aims to improve how veterans living in rural areas can access VA’s online services and benefits, according to a press release. The agreement, which
was formalized in mid-April, allows VA and Microsoft to work together to advance and improve the quality of life for veterans by identifying opportunities to extend broadband internet connectivity to underserved rural veteran communities.
“This partnership will serve a particularly vulnerable population of veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Millions of people in the U.S., including many of the 4.7 million veterans living in rural areas, lack the broadband internet connection necessary to access opportunities to learn, work, access information and communicate.” According to a press release, the Veterans Health Administration’s offices of Community Engagement, Connected Care, Telehealth
Services, Rural Health and VA’s office of Information and Technology aim to improve access to online VA services and benefits, such as telemedicine. Telemedicine and access to online services and benefits are forms of digital inclusion that support veterans, their families and VA staff. Digital inclusion can increase access to continuous health care services — enhance the workflow, reach and efficiency of VA staff — and support veterans’ participation in their own
WORKING WITH THOSE ACTIVELY SERVING OUR COUNTRY. You are serving bravely for our country… now you’re ready for a new home.
health care. The partnership with Microsoft is another step toward achieving VA’s strate-
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR •••
SATURDAY JUNE 29
DON’T BE LEFT OUT!
Saturday, August 3 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whidbey Island Fairgrounds and Events Center In Langley FREE ADMISSION JIM FREEMAN, MC ADJACENT PARKING BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DESSERT COOL RAFFLE ITEMS A family-friendly event to benefit: • Friends of Friends – Medical Support • the HUB Youth Center • Whidbey Veterans Resource Center • SPONSORS • South Whidbey Record Blooms Winery Bruce A Bell Foresty Mulching Heritage/Whidbey Island Bank Island Auto Supply Les Schwab Tire
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Living History at Fort Casey, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., June 29-30, Fort Casey State Park, Coupeville. The 9th Coast Artillery District will have a living history event. Free demonstrations of practice drills will occur and visitors can observe the barracks. VFW Breakfast Bingo, 10 a.m-12 p.m., weekends, 3037 Goldie Road, Oak Harbor. Eat breakfast and play bingo. A $10 buy-in.
MONDAY JULY 1 Women Veterans and Spouses of Veterans Support Group, 5 p.m., Mondays, Whidbey Veterans Resource Center, South Whidbey Community Center, Room
403. Friendship, community connections and support.
TUESDAY JULY 2 WVRC ride to Seattle VA Hospital and Clinics, 6:30 a.m. Tuesdays, 723 Camano Ave., Room 403, Building C, Langley. Transportation to the mainland for veterans and their families to the VA Hospital and Clinics. The van departs from the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center in the morning and returns in the afternoon. Veterans Support Group, 10 a.m., Tuesdays, Whidbey Veterans Resource Center, Langley. Meets to socialize, encourage and share info regarding benefits and local connections.
IN★SERVICE★TO★THEIR★COUNTRY TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY IN TIMES OF PEACE AND WAR, WE SAY THANK YOU. WE SALUTE YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE PRESERVATION OF FREEDOM FOR ONE AND ALL.
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SATURDAY JULY 4 Oak Harbor’s 4th of July, 7:30 a.m-10:30 p.m., July 4, Bayshore Drive, Oak Harbor. Join Oak Harbor for the annual Old Fashioned 4th of July, with events going on from morning to night. The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast at the First United Methodist Church at 7:30, parade at 11 a.m. on Pioneer Way and fireworks at 10:30 p.m. See the full schedule at www. OakHarborChamber.com
SATURDAY JULY 11 All-Island Band Summer Concerts, 7 p.m., July 11, Catalina City Park, near the Oak Harbor Marina. The Whidbey All-Island Community Band will play weekly summer concerts featuring a variety of music styles. Run to remember: wearblue, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., July 13, Veterans Memorial across from Skagit Valley College, Oak Harbor. A national nonprofit running community that honors the service and sacrifice of the American military. wear blue: run to remember creates a support network for military members and their families. Run, walk or Stroll up to 2.4 miles. www.wearblueruntoremember.org
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Veterans Resource Center is making a difference
Office located in Freeland is expanding services By PATRICIA GUTHRIE
pguthrie@whidbeynewsgroup.com
E
ighty-nine-year-old Don Wentworth admits to being a little slow on the uptake when it came to getting benefits from the federal government’s programs for veterans, even though he’d served in the military for 30 years in active and reserve duty. Ten years ago, he stopped by a new place called the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center in Freeland, just a tiny office with a pool table and meeting room. A woman named Judith Gorman had encouraged him to drop by. Soon, she got him signed up for health care benefits with the Veteran’s Administration. “She got me approved for medical care, then I got approved for PTSD disability,” Wentworth said. “I didn’t even know what it was, but I had it. So 70 years after I left Guam, I finally got the benefits I was entitled to.” Wentworth is now one of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers at the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center when it comes to digging through paperwork and matching vets with support and services. “It’s like a stewardship or responsibility for those of us who can help to share the information and help people get access to benefits they’re entitled to,” said Dana Sawyers, Air Force veteran and coordinator of the center now located at the South Whidbey Community Center. Island County has the highest number of veterans per capita in the state — estimates range from 14,000 to
17,000 — so there’s still plenty of people to find and help, she said. Lucas Jushinski, owner of Island Herb, helps in his own way. For the third consecutive year, he’s donated $10,000 to the center’s annual fundraising campaign with a challenge to the public to match it by June 30. “Lucas wants to make sure that veterans are supported on the island,” said center board member Chris Thorsen. Jushinski —- who spent eight years in the U.S. Navy, including time spent embedded in a marine unit in Iraq —- came to South Whidbey struggling with post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and depression. In a previous interview with the South Whidbey Record, Jushinski said he’s now in a position to help the vet center and other nonprofits organizations that once helped him. In the past two years with generous community donations, the dreams of expanded services for Whidbey’s veterans have finally come true. “We’ve more than exceeded our own hopes,” Thorsen said. “Transportation, counseling and information and reference services have all happened.” A weekly van provided by Island Transit RideLink provides weekly shuttles to Seattle’s VA clinics. While the van is loaned to the center, it still needs to pay for gas and ferry crossings. Of late, a few Vietnam vets have reached out who were exposed to Agent Orange, Sawyers said. She also received a call from a young woman who lived out of state but needed to find
Photo provided
During a Whidbey Veterans Resource Center gathering, two World War II vets, Frank Burns and Erma Aldous, share stories with young people about their service. help for her favorite uncle on Whidbey Island. Sawyers encourages people, veterans and non-veterans, to find out about volunteering at the center. “We can teach you about the forms and benefits,” she said. “And the people you’ll meet will be worth the paperwork.” The center was founded in 2009 by Judith Gorman, a clinical social worker, and her husband Perry McClellan of Langley, who were seeking local services for their son, Orrin Gorman McClellan. He suffered from many invisible wounds of war after serving in Afghanistan in 2005 -2006, his mother said, and sought an alcohol-free location close to home to connect with other vets as he received treatment
in Seattle. Orrin Gorman McClellan committed suicide nine years ago. A talented, creative and sensitive writer and artist, his parents just released a book of his personal writings, “A Soldier’s Journal, Last Supper to No Goodbye.” Professional mental health counseling is now a free, regular service of Whidbey Veterans Resource Center. Jeff Rogers, a Navy veteran whose service included tours in Vietnam from November 1968 to November 1969, has a master’s degree in counseling psychology and has worked at the Portland Vet Center, Bellingham Vet Center and Washington Department of Veterans Affairs. Retired, he’s volunteering his time at the Whidbey cen-
VA, White House launch veteran suicide-prevention task force As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and White House initiative to curb veteran suicide, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie and Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Joe Grogan launched a cabinet-level task force to develop a national roadmap.
The President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End the National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) task force will include a community integration and collaboration proposal, a national research strategy and an implementation strategy.
Efforts supporting the development of the roadmap are already well under way and are on target for the March 2020 delivery to the White House. “This is a call to action,” Wilkie said. “In order to decrease the rate of veteran suicide, we need to engage
ter, even though he could get reimbursed. “Veterans and family members come in to see me most commonly for PTSD, depression, suicidal thinking, substance use and struggles in their marriages,” said Rogers. “I am seeing both male and female veterans ranging in age from mid-20s to early 80s. I am seeing veterans from all eras including World War II, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, and even veterans who haven’t been deployed. I can also see active-duty members.” Some stigma still exists about seeking counseling, Rogers said, especially for military veterans. “That is very unfortunate because counseling usually is very helpful for PTSD
our local and community partners in addition to leveraging the resources of the departments. We need an all-hands on-deck approach to preserve the lives of our veterans who have served our country. As such, I am thrilled to announce that Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, the founder and president of Give an Hour, has agreed to serve as executive director of the critical PREVENTS work.
and related issues,” he said. “Most veterans are healthy people with high values having normal reactions to abnormal experiences.” Regular support groups for men and women meet weekly at the center. Companionship, some say, is one of biggest benefits of a space devoted to people who truly understand one another. “The support of the group is the biggest advantage of the WVRC,” Wentworth said. “I can walk in there with a problem and I always walk out with solutions or advice others suggest.” • For more information on services, volunteering or donating funds, see www. whidbeyvrc.org or call 360331-8081.
Dr. Van Dahlen is widely recognized for changing the culture surrounding mental health and suicide and is an expert and thought leader in large-system change. We are proud to have her leading this effort.” To learn more about VA’s suicide prevention resources and programs, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention
Family keeps D-Day hero’s memory alive By JULIE MUHLSTEIN
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Herald Writer
In 1998, when “Saving Private Ryan” came out, John Hinchcliffe saw the epic World War II movie with another local veteran. Both men had survived the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Hinchcliffe, of Lake Stevens, was a 22-year-old 2nd lieutenant on June 6, 1944. On that history-making day, Allied forces — 160,000 strong — landed on the beaches of northern France to battle Nazi Germany. He was a platoon leader with the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, nicknamed “the Big Red One.” And he was part of the first wave to storm Omaha Beach. Eighteen of his 21 men died that day — along with more Contributed photo than 2,500 other Americans John F. Hinchcliffe was with the 1st Infantry Division and was and some 1,900 Allies. a platoon leader in the first wave of troops to storm Omaha “There wasn’t any doubt Beach on D-Day. He died in 2001. about what you had to do: Get John Hinchcliffe’s grave is at D-Day are alive today. up there. You had to get off that beach,” Hinchcliffe told a Tahoma National Cemetery in Everett’s Joseph “Eddie” Herald reporter in 1998, after he Kent, but Mike Miles said some McCann, who watched “Saving and Navy veteran Joe McCann of his father-in-law’s ashes were Private Ryan” with Hinchcliffe, watched “Saving Private Ryan.” returned to that place he could had lied about his age to join the The film’s opening is a horrifi- never forget. Navy. On June 6, 1944, he was cally graphic re-enactment of Miles, 66, said he and his in an LST (Landing Ship Tank) the Omaha Beach landing. father-in-law — “my best friend to land troops at Omaha Beach. “He said it brought back a lot for 30 years” — often went McCann spent D-Day ferryof memories he’d tried to erase for hunting and fishing together. ing supplies and ammunition over 50 years,” said Mike Miles, Sitting around a camp fire, Miles in, and the wounded out. A of Arlington, who is married said, the World War II veteran few days later, he was put on a to Hinchcliffe’s daughter, Joan told him he wanted his ashes detail picking dog tags off bodHinchcliffe Miles. Those D-Day returned to Normandy. In 2007, ies floating in the surf, accordmemories — dodging bullets and on D-Day’s 63rd anniversary, ing to the 1998 Herald article. grabbing soldiers who had lost Joan and Mike Miles attended McCann was 80 when he died their buddies and leaders — were the ceremony there, and honored in 2009. Hinchcliffe’s request. just the beginning. Since her father’s death in “It was overcast and rainy, During the war, Hinchcliffe 2001, Joan Miles has often was shot in the mouth and near- like the day they landed,” Mike placed memorial notices in ly blown up by a grenade. Taken Miles said. “We walked down to Hinchcliffe’s honor. prisoner and shipped to Poland, the beach,” his wife said. “Mike “We want to keep the memohe escaped, was recaptured, and knows just where Dad was ry out there,” she said. “So many when he landed.” Together, they escaped again. found a final resting place near people don’t even know what Surviving it all, after the war where “he landed and fought his D-Day is. It was such an imporhe married a German bride, tant turning point of the war.” way up,” Mike said. served in the U.S. Air Force and Her father didn’t tell her Allied heads of state arrived raised a family. John Frederick Hinchcliffe died in 2001 at age at Normandy’s Juno Beach many war stories, but Joan Miles 79. Along with his daughter, for an international ceremony shared one tale that Hinchcliffe Joan, he is survived by a son, marking the 75th anniversary told. She said her father told her that, while hiding in a church of D-Day. John William Hinchcliffe. basement in France, he and With surviving D-Day veterHe had returned to his men shot holes in barrels Normandy in 1994, when asked ans now in their 90s and older, they found. Those barrels, she to present a wreath during cer- the 2019 commemorations said, contained Calvados, an emonies commemorating the represented the closing of an apple or pear brandy made in era. Seventy-fifth anniversary 50th anniversary of D-Day. Normandy. events at the National D-Day “My mom told me how “They put Calvados in their Memorial had “The Final emotional Dad got,” said Joan helmets,” she said. “One of the Salute” as a theme. Miles, 64. Her mother, Gisela things Dad did after the war, None of the local men interHinchcliffe, died June 9, 2018. he had a toast of Calvados on “She was from Berlin. She had viewed for a 1994 Herald article D-Day. And every D-Day, we about the 50th anniversary of her own stories and horrors.” still do that as a family.”
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Eternal flame soon to be lit again By STEPHANIE DAVEY Herald Writer
Norma Rae Pilkenton wore her husband’s jacket, decorated with medals from his time in the Marine Corps. She watched from the crowd as a candle was placed near the original spot, outside of the Snohomish County Courthouse in Everett. The fire was removed in July when renovations began at that building. Norma Rae Pilkenton and her husband, Brad Pilkenton, were in charge of the fire. They took it to the torch at the Evergreen Cemetery.
important to him, because we were put in charge of her a long time ago. It’s like it belonged to us.” The couple had watched it for nearly four decades. The fire has been burning on the Snohomish County campus since 1972. It was relocated one other time in 2002. The Pilkentons moved it then, too.
Dugan also has helped develop the Military Pathways Program, introduced by Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers during the event. The project is set up to help veterans shift from active duty to civilian. It supports service members who have been hired by the county as they move into their new jobs.
It was started by a local chapter of American Gold Star Mothers, to remember those who have died serving their country. Brad Pilkenton was a Marine from 1957 until 1967, when he was discharged because of an old injury.
They planned to return it together, but didn’t get the chance. Brad Pilkenton died in February at age 79.
He would have stayed in if he could have, said his daughter Wendy Young, his dog tags hanging from her neck.
Norma Rae Pilkenton brought back the flame during a ceremony when a new memorial was opened.
“He was a very proud Marine,” Norma Rae Pilkenton said.
“I was extremely proud when they asked me in honor of Brad to relight the fire,” she said. “The eternal flame was
Everett in 1992, when it was under construction. He’s called the area home ever since. Dugan retired from the military in 2015.
The couple’s 40th wedding anniversary would have been in November. They made a home in Everett, where they lived nearly as long.
OLIVIA VANNI / THE HERALD
Norma Rae Pilkenton (center) laughs with the commanding officer of Naval Station Everett, Capt. Mike Davis, at a veteran’s memorial commissioning ceremony near the Snohomish County courthouse.
Young, her mother, and other members of the Pilkenton family gathered, the sun shining on the courtyard. Josh Dugan, the county’s special projects director, hosted the ceremony. He
thanked the Pilkentons for supporting military families. Dugan is a veteran himself. He served in the Navy for about 30 years. He was assigned to Naval Station
The new memorial is in a more prominent place now on the Snohomish County campus. It also has ramps so it’s accessible for all. Coins and other tokens were found inside the last structure when it was removed — a surprise. Some appeared as if they’d been placed there by the same person over the years. There were several 50-cent pieces from different eras, county spokesman Kent Patton said.
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Worship Services..........8 & 10:30 am Sunday School ........................9:15 am Nursery Available Sunday Evening Prayer 6:30 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Coupeville Jeffrey Spencer, Lead Pastor Pastor Marc Stroud, Associate Pastor
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5671 Crawford Rd, in Langley, just off Hwy 525 www.unityofwhidbey.org We welcome you to our Sunday Worship Celebration at 10AM. Potluck on the first Sunday of the month. While Unity is considered practical Christianity, we embrace many of the sacred teachings throughout the world. Join us for supportive and inclusive spiritual community.
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Sunday Morning Worship 10:00am Adult Sunday School 9:00am Deer Lagoon Grange 5142 S. Bayview Road, Langley Home Bible Studies available Darrell Wenzek, pastor
CALVARY APOSTOLIC TABERNACLE (The Pentecostals of Island County)
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A SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME Sunday Morning................10am Sunday Evening.............6:30pm Wednesday...........................7pm
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LIVING WORD oak harbor foursquare LIVING WORD 490 NW Crosby Ave oak harbor foursquare Oak Harbor
490 NW Crosby Ave 675.5008 Oak Harbor www.livingwordoakharbor.com Sunday675.5008 Service Times: www.livingwordoakharbor.com 8am 9:30am 11am
Sunday Service Times: (Living Word Kids all services: Middle School Service: 3 months - 5th at Grade) Wednesday’s 6pm 8am 9:30am 11am (LivingGroup WordSunday Kids all Evenings: services: Youth 3 monthsSchool - 5th Grade) Middle 4pm YouthHigh Group Sunday6pm Evenings: School Middle School 4pm High School 6pm
Sunday Service Times 8:30 & 10:30 AM Nursery and Children’s Church available in both services 5373 Maxwelton Rd, Langley 360.221.1656 www.swagchurch.com
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Worship Hours: Worship Service: 10:00am Contemporary Service: 1:30pm Children’s Sunday School 10:30am Everyone is welcome. Come join us! Youth Ministries-Choirs-Bible Studies Pastor David Parker ...................................................................... Pastor Erin Tombaugh....... ....................................... Young People’s Ministries Christina Queeno ................................................ Music & Worship Arts
360-675-2441 • 1050 SE Ireland St, OH • oakharborfumc.org Like us on Facebook @OakHarborFUMC @OHFUMCyouth
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