Salute To Heroes Newspaper June Edition! by Salute To Heroes

JUN ‘14

FREE

a Monthly Newspaper Supporting the Southern California Military Community

FLAG DAY Americans observe Flag Day each year on June 14, the day when the Continental Congress ﬁrst issued the U.S. Flag in 1777. This year’s Flag Day is extra special because 2014 also the 200th anniversary year of The Star-Spangled Banner, our national anthem written by Francis Scott Key, a Maryland attorney. The U.S. Flag, America’s most recognizable symbol, inspired Key to write his famous song’s lyric.

More on Page 14

Reservist

Soldier

I thought college was on hold...

Then I Found StraighterLine www.SaluteToHeroesNewspaper.com

Questions or Comments, please email: editor@SaluteToHeroesNewspaper.com

NOW YOU CAN! Straighterline – Part of The Solution

Affordable & Accessible On-Line College Courses For Anyone especially Active Duty Military, Veterans and Family Members. Straighterline - Helping Those Who Serve Reach Their Educational Goals!

“I was interested in ﬁnding alternative ways to earn credits while deployed, I asked my Thomas Edison State College course advisor what I could do and she referred me to Straighterline……..courses were great and my course advisors always provided quick responses to my questions, and helped whenever I needed it.” (Sgt., USMC)

Beneﬁts of Straighterline:    

Low cost (Over 50 partnership schools, to include regional accreditation) Detailed degree mapping to align with partnership schools ACE recommended (letter grade and ACE transcript upon course completion) Self Paced (Tutoring provided at no additional cost)

Partnership Schools: Albany State University American InterContinental University American Military University American Public University Argosy University Ashford University Azusa Paciﬁc University College Bay State College Bellevue University Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology Brandman University Capella University Capitol College Cecil College Charter Oak State College

College of St. Joseph Concordia University Chicago Concordia University Irvine Concordia University St. Paul Colorado State University Global Campus Excelsior College Fisher College Granite State College Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Herzing University Jefferson Community and Technical College Kaplan University Kendall College LearningCounts.Org Liberty University Online

Life Paciﬁc College Monroe College Newbury College New England College of Business Northcentral University Northern Virginia Community College Northwestern State University of Louisiana Norwich University Paul Smith's College Pine Manor College Rasmussen College Regis University Strayer University SUNY Empire State College SUNY Genesee Community College

Thomas Edison State College Touro University Worldwide Trident University United States Sports Academy University of Maryland University College University of Phoenix University of the Incarnate Word University of the Potomac Upper Iowa University Western Governors University* Wisconsin Lutheran College *Speciﬁc Locations

StraighterLine’s courses are evaluated and recommended by the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT). More than 2,000 colleges and universities consider ACE CREDIT recommendations in determining the applicability of coursework and examination results to their courses and degree programs. In addition to the institutions with which StraighterLine has a direct relationship, more than 400 other schools are reported to have accepted StraighterLine coursework for transfer credit.

Call 877-989-7661 to learn more 2

NonProﬁt: Winifred Meiser You can view the children’s photography at the organization's website, www.ThroughChildrensEyes.org. Winifred Meiser was born in Port Glasgow, Scotland, is a prominent local artist in North County San Diego. Her works include the sculpture “Freedom’s Struggle," created in tribute to our military service members and veterans. It is located in downtown Vista at Main Street and Wave Drive in front of the Wave Waterpark. Winifred's photography and writing has been featured in various newspapers and magazines, including Stars & Stripes, Off Duty and Shutterbug Magazines, and “Winline” her info column for military families. She has received civic and military commendations in recognition of her community activities, and awards for photography and writing, including environmental edu-tainment and tobacco educational materials for children. She was a contributing writer for the chapter on photography in the family activities book “Playing Smart” and a contributing photographer for two of NewsAge Press’s “Women and Work” photography/biographic books. Photography & Artwork Exhibits Include: Women In Photography International US and UK, Los Angeles World Trade Center, Civic Arts Plaza Thousand Oaks, Warner Center, Los Angeles, The Millennium Project, Los Angeles City Hall, Fallbrook Art Center, Encinitas Library& Vista Civic Center

BE THE BEST LEADER YOU CAN BE The Ashford University Leadership Award honors local students and teachers who excel in helping those around them reach their full potential. Reach your potential through duty, honor, and education. Visit military.ashford.edu. TARA GOLDSTONE Tara Goldstone is Vice-President of the Junior San Diego Army Advisory Council and an incoming Senior at Poway High School. Tara has been very involved in the Junior San Diego Army Advisor y Council the last several years supporting events, leading fundraisers and contributing to the Salute to Heroes Newspaper as an artist.

KENZIE HALL Kenzie Hall knew what it was like to worry about a parent deployed to a combat zone. When she was eleven, her father was deployed to Afghanistan. To help her and her sister refocus their s a d n e s s a n d w o r r y, h e r p a re n t s suggested that during that year, Kenzie and her sister could pursue a big dream they had – acting. The girls both took acting classes and even traveled to Los Angeles for auditions. Kenzie was delighted to redirect her energy and she thought other military kids should “live their dream”. From there, Bratpack 11 was born – granting big dream wishes to military kids who had a parent injured or killed in combat. Kenzie has developed Bratpack 11 for the past five years, recruiting volunteers, producing a 3-minute public service announcement and making cold calls to prospective donors (she said this is the hardest part, donors do not always take her seriously due to her young age). So far, this budding charity has granted a few dream wishes – the first was a five day all-expenses trip to Disneyland to a gold star family who lost their father in combat and arranging for a young Spiderman superfan (and son of a wounded warrior) to see the Broadway production of Superman and go up on stage to meet the actors. Kenzie’s efforts attracted the attention of a national charity, The Boot Campaign. She was invited to move BratPack11 to be a featured program under The Boot Campaign umbrella in December 2013.

JOHN WATKINS John Watkins is proud to be serving as the Junior President to the San Diego Army Advisory Council. He is currently attending Palomar College in San Marcos California, with a goal of earning an ROTC Scholarship.

In March 2014, BratPack 11 granted a wish to a gold star Texas family with a surprise trip to Los Angeles to meet their favorite stars. Two young sisters toured several studios and met celebrities including their favorite Disney star, Debbie Ryan. Debbie surprised them during a studio tour and gave them a behind-the-scenes tour. Myra Brandenburg of The Boot Campaign nominated Kenzie and says, “There aren't very many children whose lives are devoted to serving others. . . Kenzie is among a rare few who get it. Life is more than serving yourself. It's about using your gifts and talents creatively for the benefit of others...not only is Kenzie giving of herself but she is inspiring others to join her in the process!” Kenzie’s philanthropy work earned her a spot at the distinguished Teens Can Make It Happen Conference hosted by famed marketing entrepreneur and author, Stedman Graham. Kenzie has moved 10 times, so far. At one point, she attended three schools in one year. “I think most kids who are not in the military are not used to adapting to change” she says, “If not for my dad’s deployments I would never had started a non-profit to help military kids. I have seen a lot of the world and what it has to offer. I take those lessons and use them to create my own success.” As she looks to her future, Kenzie would like to continue growing BratPack 11 (she’s currently designing a T-shirt line) and plans to start an online blog where military kids

John attended Valley Center High School and was a member of the graduating class of 2012. While in high school, John earned four varsity letters playing both football and baseball, and was selected as a team captain in both sports. During his senior year, John earned allleague second team honors in baseball. He was also the Sports Commissioner to the Associated Student Body, as well as the FCA Co-President.

His experience with the outdoors has helped to stimulate his interest in sports, firearms, hunting, and all things military.

John’s family has a history of military service. His grandfather is a United States Navy Veteran,

My name is Alexander Fu and I am currently a freshman student at UC Davis. In High School, I was very active in extracurriculars. For example, I a t t e n d e d C h i n e s e s c h o o l e ve r y Saturday for all four years. I joined Key Club for my sophomore year, but later joined an outside Buddhist volunteer organization, called Tzu Shao. In this group, we often went to the canned food drive to help sort the cans. We also visited the Ronald McDonald house to prepare meals for the families of the people in the hospital. We also prepared and served meals for the homeless. In my senior year of high school, I was elected the vice president of the San Diego branch of Tzu Shao, as well as the head media officer.

California, earn her Commission and become an Officer while pursuing her work career as a Japanese Anime Artist, eventually working on television and movies.

Tara is considering joining the Army after high school, possibly joining the Army Reserves and pursuing her Commission through the Army's Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). She would like to attend the University of Southern

Born on October 17, 1993, John has always had an active interest in all things outdoors. John and the other men in his family frequently go on trips to the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

ALEXANDER FU

She has been enrolled in Junior ROTC and a member of the marksmanship team. Tara comes from a loving family and enjoys traveling with her younger brother Kyle to visit family and fr iends.

My vice president duties were to help the president in any way possible, collaborate with the rest of the leadership to plan monthly meetings and events, and talk with the parent leaders to make sure things were on track. As for my media officer duties, I handled all sorts of tech problems, such as making PowerPoints work correctly, fixing and editing video, and hooking up tech equipment. I also created and hosted the first ever Tzu Shao San Diego website, where the leadership could post events, notices, and track attendance through meetings. On the side, I ran a graphic and web design service. I had about sixty clients in the span of four years, and I am a member of the Junior San Diego Army Advisory Council. In January 2012, I helped launched the Salute to Heroes newspaper.

can find support or just chat with other military kids. She will continue working on these goals, all while pursuing her first love, acting. Kenzie is the daughter of Jason and Aerica Hall and has a younger sister, Madison. Her father, Jason, is a Captain stationed with the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion in Southern California. She comes from a long line of military service including two great grandfathers who served in the Navy—both served in WWII and one retired from the Navy. Her grandfather served in the Air Force, as well as an uncle and great uncle. Service Highlights BratPack 11, founder Assoc. Student Body: Committee for Blood Drives Brat Pack Club, founder, high school club supporting military families, including building a home for a wounded Veteran Favorite Quote: If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.~ Anita Roddick Kenzie shares, “This quote has inspired me as a teenager. The only thing you need to have to be able to make an impact is passion for what you want to change or do. I may be small, but I have a big appetite for success, just like that mosquito!”

and his grandfather’s brothers both served in the United States Army, with one of the brothers earning a Purple Heart during the invasion of France in WWII. Other family members have served their country in the armed services as well. John is thankful to have the opportunity to serve the San Diego community through the Advisory Council, and he is looking forward to the opportunities that an ROTC program, and future military service will bring.

In my senior year of high school, I joined the Poway High Robotics team. I was a part of both subgroups: VEX and FIRST. In the VEX program, I was the sole programmer of my group, and my team's robot ended up going to World Championships. As for the FIRST subgroup, I was an engineer on the team, and this robot also went to World Championships. At Davis, I have been volunteering regularly at the various computer labs around campus. I am looking to become the Residential Computing Administrator, who is responsible for fixing tech issues within the dorms. I am part of the Davis Honors Challenge, the honors program here at Davis. I regularly tutor other s t u d e n t s i n m a t h , c h e m i s t r y, a n d computer science.

VICTORVILLE, Calif. A Fort Irwin Elementary School Teacher won a car for having perfect attendance during the 2013-2014 school year. The teacher learned of her prize at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds May 17. It’s a Gas to Go to Class is a Program that encourages teachers and high school students in Southern California to strive for perfect attendance during the school year by offering prizes and incentives for staying in class. Victorville Motors, the California Teachers Association, and other sponsors donated several prizes. The biggest were three 2014 Dodge Darts. “I never thought that I would be part of the semiﬁnalists, much less the actual winner of the car,” said Ailene Weaver, a second grade teacher at Lewis Elementary. “I am very grateful to the different organizations that have made this possible.” Image Source of California enabled the teachers to participate in the event this year by donating one of the cars. “We feel that the teachers don’t get the recognition that they deserve for all their hard work,” said Kendall Goslee, an accounts manager with Image Source. “Education is crucial for the future and the teachers are the ones giving it.” More than 1,500 students and teachers, had perfect attendance this year; the highest eligibility since the program’s inception in 2011. Weaver proved her dedication to her class by commuting an hour to Fort Irwin every day to keep her perfect attendance record. “I do this so that my students could have the highest quality education possible, and to motivate our community’s children to do their best.” said Weaver. This event was about the education of the next generation. By having incentives for attendance, business owners of Southern California are helping mold young minds into the citizens we need tomorrow. “This program increases graduation rates and lowers truancy numbers while also getting the children more engaged in their learning,” said Tim Watts, the Chief Operating Ofﬁcer of Victorville Motors.

Naval Base Coronado, Calif. Naval Special Warfare Center hosted students from the San Diego School Safety Patrol (SDSSP) and ofﬁcers from the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) during a day with Navy SEALs, May 10, 2014. SDPD Juvenile Services, Southeastern Division teamed up with the Naval Special Warfare Center to provide the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for more than 190 School Safety Patrol students from the San Diego Uniﬁed School District. “This means a whole lot to us and demonstrates our strong partnership with Naval Special Warfare,” said Tony D. McElroy, Police captain for the city of San Diego, Southeastern Division. “Many of these kids have never even visited the beach, so to have them come out and spend the day with Navy SEALs is a big deal.” Upon arrival, the students watched members of the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, parachute onto the beach. Next was a motivational speech by Luis R. Lastra, retired master chief SEAL, who gave the students a basic understanding of Naval Special Warfare. “This is a great experience for the children,” said Lastra. “It gives them an understanding of the challenges that we face as SEALs and helps them understand they can personally get through things themselves by embracing adversity.” After adding face paint to look more like Navy SEALs, the students headed out to the obstacle course where students climbed ropes, balanced logs and maneuvered under barb wire on the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) compound. The students also got a chance to go out with SEALs in rafts to perform surf passage. The day ended with lunch followed by an awards ceremony. SSP was formed in 1935 by SDPD to assist elementary school children to cross uncontrolled intersections on their way to and from school, and to reduce the number of pedestrian and bicycle collisions involving elementary-age students.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. Marines, Sailors and esteemed guests recognized the San Diego Chargers in an evening colors ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., June 10. The ceremony featured noncommissioned officers selected to represent the Committed and Engaged Leadership initiative, started by Maj. Gen. Steven Busby, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general. The Committed and Engaged Leadership initiative highlights the roles and duties of NCOs in the Marine Corps. Busby refers to these leaders as VIPs of 3rd MAW and encourages them to assume greater, more challenging responsibilities. Staff noncommissioned officers traditionally assume the role of reviewing officer; however, Busby’s initiative tasks noncommissioned officers with coordinating the event and commanding the ceremonial formation. Sgt. Aaron J. Hutson, an aviation ordnance specialist with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101, served as the reviewing officer for the ceremony. “[Committed and Engaged Leadership] just reminds Marines of what they are supposed to do in the first place,” said Hutson. “I think it’s great that we have someone who cares enough to provide that mentorship and that opportunity for leadership.” Hutson explained that he selected the theme of the ceremony to fit the Chargers’ theme coined “struck by the bolt of service.” The ceremony recognized the Chargers' efforts in the military community through a variety of mediums, to include music by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, quotes about their service and words of appreciation. “[We had] a very touching testimony from a very die-hard San Diego Chargers fan, Mrs. Haskins, [who] really added great value to the ceremony,” said Hutson. As a special guest, Busby invited retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Melissa Haskins to speak about her personal experience with the Chargers. Haskins served as a hospital corpsman in the Navy and was diagnosed with leukemia during her 24th year of service, and was in need of a bone marrow transplant. “In the middle of my [chemotherapy] at Naval Medical Center San Diego, one of the admirals got wind that I was a huge Chargers fan,” said Haskins. Upon hearing her story, the Chargers invited her out to watch a practice session and to eat lunch. “It just changed the whole course of my treatment,” said Haskins. “It was really something special. I’m a die-hard Chargers fan and it meant the world to have them there for us.” Haskins departed the ceremony with an appropriate sign-off in honor of the team: “Go Chargers!” Hutson also expressed his gratitude for support the San Diego Chargers give to military members in the community. “It is our pleasure to honor them this evening for honoring us,” said Hutson.

Corporate: Cymer JASD programs empower students to make a connection between what they learn in school and how it can be applied in the real world, enhancing the relevance of their classroom learning and increasing their understanding of the value of staying in school. Education is a vital stepping stone for every life stage. Whether teaching young children, adults, or disabled individuals, these organizations ensure that opportunities for improvement and development are available to everyone. They help to expand horizons and open doors for a brighter future. Click on category search to review nonproﬁts. Developing the future of our community is a crucial endeavor that requires the care and resources of all San Diegans. Cultivating compassionate, intelligent, and emotionally healthy youth is imperative to this vision. It takes a village. These organizations work towards inspiring, challenging, and creating the next generation of community leaders. Click on category search to review nonproﬁts. Cymer is the leader in developing light sourcesused by chipmakers worldwide to pattern advanced semiconductor chips, and is pioneering development of next generation EUV sources.

PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE MILITARY Come see why San Diego voted us “Best Burger” Slater’s 50/50 is a great place to host large parties, catch the game, or grab lunch before you head back to base. All active military receive 10% off of their meal with valid military ID.

Education: Eileen Bagg-Rizzo

She also coaches Varsity Swim, has been a Department Chairperson, and has served as Coordinator for the AP Challenge Grant, a literacy program, and the English Language Learner’s program. "Eileen is an outstanding instructor, a natural leader, and (she makes) Santana a better place,” Santana Principal Tim Schwuchow said when she was named a GUHSD teacher of the year.

Now Open in San Marcos

A student of Ms. Bagg-Rizzo wrote: “Remarkable teachers give students life skills that are applicable both inside and outside of the classroom for the rest of their lives. Mrs. Bagg-Rizzo is a genuinely remarkable teacher.” Santee dominated this year's Grossmont Union High School District Teacher of the Year awards, with two local teachers being chosen as the top of the pack to send to the San Diego County Teacher of the Year competition.

Liberty Station

Randy Cambou, an A.P. Government Teacher at West Hills, was among the 45 teachers in the running for the ﬁve tops spots and was named a GUHSD Teacher of the Year. 6

At the 78 & San Marcos Blvd. in the Starbucks Shopping Center 110 Knoll Rd. San Marcos, CA 92069

In Liberty Station next to Ace Hardware 2750 Dewey Rd. #193 San Diego, CA 92106 slaters5050.com

ARMY But it was another set of broad stripes that initially worried him. The British military had burned the U.S. Capitol and White House on August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812. Americans, both pro and anti-war, feared that British forces would try conquer other cities and force America to become part of England again. The editors of the Federal Republican-Georgetown, Key’s hometown antiwar newspaper, issued a call to action on September 1, 1814: “Unless the country is to be abandoned by the people . . . that every man should awake, arouse, and prepare for action.” That same day Key learned that the British military had captured his friend, Dr. William Beanes. While Key had opposed the War of 1812, he desperately wanted to rescue his friend. Gaining permission from President James Madison, he set out by boat with John Skinner, the US prisoner of war negotiator, from Baltimore to find the British fleet and negotiate for Dr. Beanes. The broad stripes that first greeted Key on September 7, 1814, however, were hardly glorious to him. When he came upon the British fleet, he likely saw the Union Jack, Britain’s national flag. By combining the crosses of England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, this banner showed centralized royal power. Running across the center was a broad red stripe, which represented the single sovereign reigning over them. Another bold red stripe ran vertically to form a cross, suggesting Christianity as the crown’s authority.

FLAG DAY

Key was loyal to a different set of broad stripes, ones that symbolized representation, not royalty. Years earlier on June 14, 1777, the first Flag Day, the Continental Congress created America’s first symbol, depicting the union of thirteen colonies turned into states. Congress wrote: “That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white.” A few years later in 1782, Congress defined the colors when it created the symbolic US seal, which features an eagle. They defined red as hardiness and valor. White stood for innocence and purity, while blue meant vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Key knew that his flag held deep symbolic meaning as he stepped aboard the British flagship of Admiral Alexander Cochrane on September 7, 1814. Cochrane invited Key and Skinner to dine with him. Though he and another British officer agreed to free Dr. Beanes, they wouldn’t let Key, Skinner, or Beanes depart until after the British attacked Baltimore. “Ah, Mr. Skinner, after discussing so freely our preparation and plans, you could hardly expect us to let you go on shore in advance of us?” Cochrane explained. Surrounded by Union Jacks for days, Key, Skinner, and Beanes stayed with the British fleet. Key was worried about Baltimore. “To make my feelings still more acute, the admiral had intimated his fears that the town [Baltimore] must be burned, and I was sure that if taken it would have been given up to plunder . . . It was filled with women and children.” Starting on September 13, for more than twenty-four hours, Key watched the British Navy bombard Fort McHenry, which guarded Baltimore’s harbor. The staccato sound of rockets and bombs suddenly stopped the morning of September 14. Gone from the fort was its small storm flag. Through his spyglass, Key must have held his breath during the silence as he wondered what would happen next. Would the Union Jack or a white flag of surrender appear at the top of Fort McHenry? Relief swept through him as he saw the giant thirty by forty-two foot U.S. flag soar to the top of Fort McHenry. While the men at the fort played Yankee Doodle, Key’s emotions took flight. Phrases such as “O say can you see” and “by the dawn’s early light” pulsed through his heart and pen. By the time he returned to Baltimore two days later, he’d written lyrics for a poem, The Star-Spangled Banner. Key’s genius is that his words were so inspirational, they could be applied to many generations and situations, not only to Fort McHenry and Baltimore. Though he didn’t know it at the time, Key had given the land of the free its anthem for the ages. Flag Day special because it gives us a chance to fly our flag, which is not only our nation’s top symbol but also the inspiration for our official top song. Life would be less meaningful without symbols like our flag and songs like our national anthem to inspire us. Award-winning author Jane Hampton Cook is a former White House webmaster. She is the author of seven books. Her latest is American Phoenix, For more information about Jane, visit janecook.com.

USAR Despite the ongoing drawdown, these are good career opportunities with promotion potential in the Regular Army force structure that will follow the force cuts of the next few years, according to personnel officials. The CAD program does not apply to special branch officers of the Army Medical Department, Judge Advocate General's Corps and Chaplain Corps. Applications are being accepted for active-duty appointments in these categories: ■ Civil Affairs captains and promotable first lieutenants in year groups 2010 and 2011. ■ Telecommunications Systems Engineer (FA 24) and Information Systems Management (FA 53) captains and majors. ■ Chief warrant officers two and three holding the following military occupational specialties and skills: 152H (AH-64 attack pilot, SQIs C/F/G/H/I and L), 154F (CH-47 pilot, SQIs C/F/G/H and L), 180A (Special Forces warrant officer), 255S (information protection tech), 311A (CID special agent) and 352N (signals intelligence analysis tech). ■ Chief warrant officers three and four in MOS 150U (unmanned aircraft systems operations tech). ■ Warrant officer one and chief warrant officer two in MOS 255A (information services tech) and 255N (network management tech). ■ Chief warrant officer two and chief warrant officer three aviators in MOS 152H (AH-64 attack pilot), 152D (OH-58D pilot), 153D (UH-60 pilot), 153M (UH-60M pilot), 154C (CH-47D pilot) and 154F (CH-47F pilot) for assignment to special operations positions. Unlike the branch transfer program, these CAD opportunities do not involve retraining. Officers requesting a call to active duty must be fully experienced and skilled in the requested specialty or functional area. Applications must include authenticating documentation, such as proof of education or work experience. Under Army policy, officers only can apply for CAD one time per fiscal year. Policies also require that captains be graduates of an active or reserve component Captain Career Course, and majors the common core component of an active or reserve Intermediate Level Education course. Commissioned officer applicants must have credit for at least four years of active federal commissioned service. For details about the CAD program, see Army Regulation 135-210 (Order to Active Duty for other than a Presidential Call Up or Partial or Full Mobilization), and MilPer Message 14-151. Article by Jim Tice, staff reporter Army Times.

America’s Navy New data shows the fleet's underway time is out of balance, where some ships have picked up the slack for others that, for one reason or another, haven't been out to sea as often. The average ship was underway 33 percent of the time during the three-year period, according to official tallies of underway days for 150 ships obtained by Navy Times. Destroyers, the workhorses of the fleet, were higher, with an average time away from the pier of about 35 percent. The Stockdale, by contrast, was gone nearly 52 percent of the time. It was not alone.The cruiser Gettysburg also spent 52 percent of the 36 months underway. The carrier John C. Stennis and the destroyer Higgins spent a little more than 50 percent of the same time frame at sea. On the other end of the spectrum, several cruisers were far below the fleet average of 33 percent underway. The Lake Champlain, Normandy, Chosin, Shiloh and Lake Erie all spent less than 25 percent of their time underway during the cycle for reasons ranging from extended upgrades to budget issues. In 2013, Normandy was underway 23 days after spending all but the last two months in dry dock, but 2011 and 2012 were also below the fleet average, with 26.5 percent and 28 percent, respectively. The true “USS Seldomsails,” however, are the amphibious command ships Mount Whitney and Blue Ridge, which averaged about 22.5 percent of the last three years underway. Only the Blue Ridge in 2011 spent more than 100 days underway during the cycle. The Navy underway data does not cover the entire fleet. Officials declined to release past underway tallies for attack- and ballistic-missile submarines, saying the information could be used by an adversary to measure Navy capabilities. And officials were unable to release similar data for coastal patrol ships, mine countermeasures ships, logistics ships or submarine tenders. With no end to the fleet's high operational tempo in sight, personnel officials have boosted sea pay and are proposing a new deployment pay that would better compensate sailors for long deployments.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. Southern California members of the Young Presidents’ Organization and the World Presidents’ Organization visited Marines and toured Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 15. The visit was an opportunity for the YPO and WPO members to get a taste of military life and to help create a bridge between the private sector and the military. “I hope to gain a better appreciation about what the Marines are doing and to gain a first-hand account of how they train,” said Jon Vein, the CEO of Marketshare. The group visited Camp Pendleton’s Infantry Immersion Trainer, an Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer, improvised explosive device training lanes and had lunch at a dining facility on base. They visited with Marines at every stop. “I’m very impressed with the caliber of the staff we’ve met,” said Mark Friedman, the president and co-founder of Perfect Fitness. “We see a lot of enthusiasm among the Marines here. They seem to be doing an outstanding job learning their skills and communicating to us what they do.” At the immersion trainer, the business leaders toured the site, asked questions and provided feedback to the site manager. “The fact that you’re leveraging technology to give the military the opportunity to train their brains to have a reflex that you couldn’t have without doing something over and over again is amazing and smart,” Vein said. “It really gives the Marines the ability to expect the unexpected.” The visit allowed training staff to hear new ideas and concepts they could possibly implement to enhance the training experience. “It’s interesting to meet with them and discuss what they’re doing and their ideas,” said Robert Theilen, the IIT site manager with Training Support Division. “They learned from us, and we learned from them.” The business leaders exchanged information with some of the military staff and expressed their desire to visit again and their eagerness to work with military members in the future. “I’m interested in the discussion we had today about bringing veterans into the workforce,” Vein said. “Wherever businesses can open up opportunities for these young men and women, I think they should.” During the visit, the business leaders made a donation to the Semper Fi Fund, a non-profit organization that helps injured or severely ill service members.

Solar Heroes A VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS

11956 Bernardo Plaza Drive Suite 540 San Diego, CA 92128 Telephone: (858)598-3546 E-mail: Sales@SolarHeroes.com Web: www.solarheroes.com

Veteran Owned, Operated & Employed too!

Residential & Commercial

Made in the USA Cash deals, ďŹ nancing & Leases available Zero Percent Financing No Money Down About Solar Heroes Start saving today with Solar Heroes, voted San Diego's best Solar Company! We use the best made, most reliable products with a proven track record of customer satisfaction. We use experienced installers, employ Veterans and Solar Heroes is a Veteran owned business too! Solar Heroes goal is to employ veterans of all generations: those returning from Iraq & Afghanistan to Vietnam Veterans!

Working Hard For You Pricing: *As low as... 8 panels $4995 16 panels $12,600 24 panels $16,800 32 panels $25,200 *Net Price After Federal Tax Credit

Call Today 858-598-3546 CALL FOR FREE QUOTE

BeneďŹ ting Veterans & First Responders 9

Appreciation Offer

Air Force continued... Morrison joins six other WCAP members this year: rugby players Capt. Cameron Freeman and 1st Lt. Eric Duechle; handball player 2nd Lt. Carsen Chun; track and field runner 2nd Lt. Morgan Mosby; wrestler Master Sgt. Cole Von Ohlen; and water polo player Senior Airman Joshua Steadman. Three more applicants are being considered. “It would be amazing if I make it,” Morrison told Air Force Times. To qualify for the Olympicstriathlon, she must gain points from different events leading up to the summer games. “Right now, I need to start performing my best and being 100 percent every single day,” she said. Run by the Air Force Personnel Center, the two-year WCAP special assignment allows the selected airmen to train on their own schedule and at the base where they can best find and work with their own teams and coaches. But they must also get out into their communities to mentor and recruit future airmen as part of a partnership with Air Force Recruiting. “It's kind of a different beast now that I don't have a regular nine- or 10- hour work day,” said Morrison, who is training at the Air Force Academy, where, as a cadet, she was captain of the triathlon team. “My roommate and I, our goal is to do all our workouts, get our recovery done, cook our meals in a regular day to make sure we ... don't slack off.” Modeled after the Army's World Class Athlete program, the Air Force's program started in 1995 to boost military participation in the Olympic games. The Marine Corps and Navy do not have the program, but service members may be selected to qualify for the Olympics through a special assignment consideration. Air Force World Class Athletes can train for, attend and participate in the 134-country member Conseil International du Sport Militaire, the Military World Games, the Olympic Games and qualifying events or preparatory competitions for those games. To be eligible for WCAP, airmen must be nationally ranked in their sport and must obtain a letter from their sport's sanctioned National Governing Body stating they are competitive at a national level. They must also submit a commander- and career field manager-endorsed Form 303, the “Request for USAF Specialized Sports Training,” to AFPC's Fitness and Sports office. Air Force headquarters makes the final selection. If airmen are interested in applying for WCAP, the Air Force recommends they apply at least 2½ years before the games. The Air Force receives about five applicants a year hoping to qualify for the winter Olympics, and about 20 for the summer Olympics. About half are chosen for WCAP for each season. “Every year I try to get better, and I try to compare myself to the other professional women in this sport, and that's how I measure my progress,” Morrison said. And she's making strides: In addition to winning the Armed Forces Triathlon Championship twice, she finished first among women ages 18 to 24 and beat the Air Force's 35-year Ironman record by nearly an hour at the Ironman World championship in Hawaii last year. But active duty still matters, said Morrison, who for the past year was the 4th Fighter Wing's deputy chief of public affairs at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Morrison said she expects to promote on time, but she needs to be competitive with her fellow lieutenants even while on special assignment. “I still have to make sure my performance records are on point, and do everything that I can to do that,” she said. Members can still pursue other career advancements during their time in WCAP, like getting a master's or doctorate degree, AFPC spokesman Mike Dickerson said. “With this opportunity for 2016 with the Air Force, a big goal of mine is to still do at least 20 years,” Morrison said. “But I'm addicted to my sport ... the endorphins, the atmosphere, the people it puts you in contact with, and I love the community, so I will definitely stick with this” for years to come.

Marines continued... By James Sanborn, staff writer Marine Times “The Ground-Based Air Defense Directed Energy On-the-Move Program, commonly referred to as GBAD, aims to provide an affordable alternative to traditional firepower to keep enemy unmanned aerial vehicles from tracking and targeting Marines on the ground,” according to an ONR press release. There are many benefits to using directed energy weapons over conventional munitions, said Lee Mastroianni, the program manager for Force Protection in ONR's Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare and Combating Terrorism Department. Chief among those is cost. “The cost per shot, using electricity, is pennies. Shooting .50-caliber is about three dollars per round and it takes 1,000 or more to shoot down a UAV. Missiles can get pretty expensive. A UAV can cost in the thousands of dollars range, so that becomes a pretty expensive trade off,” he said. GBAD is made up of an array of three vehicles — one to identify and track a UAV with radar, another for command and control, and a third to zap threats with the laser. Eventually, the radar function will likely be filled by the Marine Corps' Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system, a vehicle-towed radar for expeditionary operations. The falling cost of UAVs, their wider proliferation and the focus of U.S. adversaries like Iran and North Korea on bolstering their own unmanned programs has military leaders searching for ways to head off the rising threat. But while the current focus of ONR's GBAD program is indeed UAVs, the same system could be used to destroy ground targets, too. “You know Marines. You give them a laser and they are probably going to find all kinds of things they want to shoot at,” Mastroianni said. “You don't have to point it up. You can point it down to go after IEDs, anything where this weapon's effect would be of value to the war fighter.” Even enemy artillery and mortars could be a “valid target set” for the laser, he said. Because that is not the focus of ONR's efforts, however, a final solution to manually aim the system at ground targets has not been developed. It would likely use the same cameras currently used by radar and computers to direct the laser. The greatest technical challenge in developing the system is miniaturizing energy and cooling systems necessary to run the laser, which is only the size of a suitcase. Operational challenges including ruggedizing the laser so it can endure the shock of an off-road environment and doesn't “break on the first pothole,” Mastroianni said. Also, keeping the laser clean and functional in an environment with dust, mud, sea mist or high humidity presents challenges. The program is moving along at a fast clip with plans to have a final working weapon system by the end of 2017. It will then fall to procurement officials to purchase and field a system. Late this winter, the entire system will fire on test targets using a 10 kilowatt laser. That will be upgraded to a 30 kilowatt laser for testing in 2016, which will allow Marines to engage targets at greater distances and disable them faster.

Veteran: George Meiser George Meiser received an Honorable discharge with commendations 1981. He worked at General Foods in Hollywood, CA from 1981 to 1983 as a Plant Electrician. His responsibilities included creating and managing Electrical Systems & Preventive Maintenance Programs. George later worked at Rockwell International (Rocketdyne Division) in Canoga Park, CA and at Boeing North American BI Facility Palmdale as a Senior Industrial Electrician from 1983 to 1999 and Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton as a Facilities Electrician from 2003 to 2008. Prior to retirement, George worked at T-Force Motorsports from 2008 to 2011 as a tech support for Trophy Truck Baja 500 & 1000 Team race vehicles. Since 2011, George and his wonderful wife Winifred travel several months a year in their motorhome throughout the United States and Canada, including British Columbia, Canadian Maritime Provinces and local beaches.

Reservist:

WENDELL H. FORD REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Ky. One NCO and one junior enlisted Soldier will move on to the U.S. Army Reserve Command competition at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey in June. During the competition, Soldiers were faced with complex challenges for both the body and mind. The competition included the basics of land navigation, a physical training test, weapons qualiﬁcation, Army basic warrior tasks and a ruck march. The competition also held some surprises for the candidates to see how they would handle stressful, unexpected situations. On day one, after many exhausting hours including a PT test and traversing an obstacle course three times, they had to assemble a quick reaction force for an unexpected event as they were getting ready to go to bed. Competitors had to prove they could move as a convoy, dismount their vehicles and move efﬁciently as a squad, even though they were competing against each other.

In the middle of day two, after what seemed like walking the length of Kentucky on the land navigation course, they had an opportunity to test their protective masks in the CS gas chamber. Afterward, they had to demonstrate their knowledge of basic warrior tasks and conduct night land navigation. “Land nav has been the toughest — that’s the biggest course I've ever done,” said Spc. James Scott, who holds a military occupational specialty of 68C, or licensed practicing nurse, and is assigned to the 322nd Medical Company, 307th Medical Brigade, 807th Medical Command in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “I’ve never practiced on a non-self-correcting course. That's the first time I've just had to shoot and hope that my calculations and pace count were correct.” Sgt. Blake Vaneaton, a biomedical repair technician from Lincoln, Nebraska, says he’s been practicing each warrior task lane individually at his home unit in preparation for the competition. “Here, we did them one after another and simulated a real-world application that was realistic — Army training at its finest,” said Vaneaton. “I believe that needs to be the standard at all units.” The third day was the rapid-fire board. During this and other similar boards, five sergeants major sit behind a table and ask each individual Soldier questions in a quick manner to test that Soldier’s knowledge on a broad range of Army topics and see if they can think on their feet. The final day of competition consisted of weapons qualification and a six-mile ruck march over the rugged Kentucky terrain that the competitors felt was tough, but rewarding at the end. “I knew it was going to be intense…that the pacing would be quick. I knew over four days there was going to be a lot to train for,” said Vaneaton. “I haven't been disappointed yet.” “The best part about it is meeting new Soldiers,” Scott said. “And you're with them 24/7, so you know how they are and how they aren't. You make new friends very quickly.” In the end, Sgt. Francisco Vargas of the 2nd Medical Brigade in Garden Grove, California and Spc. Zachary Nickles of the 330th Medical Brigade in Fort Sheridan, Illinois took home titles of 807th Best Warrior, for the NCO and junior enlisted levels, respectively. “I don't know how many Soldiers there are in the 807th, but I am the top junior enlisted Soldier and that means a lot to me,” said Nickles. “All of my hard work is showing through.” Nickles is assigned to the 801st Combat Support Hospital, 330th Medical Brigade, 807th Medical Command in Fort Sheridan, Illinois. “I always try to be a role model to younger soldiers and even younger NCOs,” said Vargas. “Hopefully this win will help me be that role model to all those people that look up to me.” Vargas is a motor pool sergeant from the 113th Medical Detachment (Combat Stress Control), 2nd Medical Brigade, 807th Medical Command in Garden Grove, California.

Soldier:

Cpt. Hannah He

This is sort of an internship for FLEP students, to learn more about what a JAG office does and how it works. Typically the assignment is for a post near the student's school, Fort Meade for me, but can also include TDY to an active unit for the summer. The first half of the summer will be learning with the Procurement and Administrative Law Division here at Fort Meade. She's working on projects for a number of civilian attorneys here, and getting a very in-depth look at what goes into the admin law side of running an Army post. While used to thinking writing a SOP was tedious, she says conducting a legal review of one is just as exciting. Hannah is currently learning about how much the Army applies environmental law and all the requirements before beginning to actually work on any project. Of course, summer wouldn't be fun without some good Army training. Last week she got to spend a full day at the Air Assault Obstacle Course at Fort Pickett, VA, where, coincidentally, she first learned to tackle The Weaver as a cadet. Unfortunately, having not grown any in the past six years, and Jacob's Ladder is still just as high. She's got the bruises to prove she can get over any High Step Over obstacle with her hands on my head. In more exciting news, her husband has made the decision to end his time in the Army and is in process of moving up to Baltimore with Hannah. Time for him to learn how to be a good Army spouse! 13

The Coast Guard SEATTLE — As the U.S. Coast Guard moves to assert its federal authority over maritime issues, ofﬁcials in Washington, Alaska and other states are concerned by what it may mean for states' rights in preventing and preparing for oil spills. State ofﬁcials in California, Washington and New York have asked the Coast Guard to withdraw rules it proposed in December.

They say the rules would limit the states' role in protecting citizens from vessel accidents and pollution. In December, the Coast Guard released proposed rules that outline a number of regulations that it says would override state and local law. The proposal clarifies the Coast Guard's federal authority over areas such as vessel safety and inspection, small passenger vessels, marine accident reporting, among matters. But in comments to the federal agency, some state officials say the rules are too broad and sweeping. The rules would interfere with or create confusion about statespecific laws regarding spill reporting, tug boat escorts or oil spill contingency plans, they say. For example, Washington state requires tug escorts for all tankers entering the Strait of Juan de Fuca and headed for Washington ports. But under the proposed rules, the state would be prevented from requiring those escorts, said Maia Bellon, the state's Ecology Director. “This is not acceptable to protect our waters,” she said at a hearing last month. In Alaska, officials are worried the proposal would take precedence over state regulations requiring tanker escorts for Prince William Sound. The rules also create uncertainty about whether state-required oil spill contingency plans for tankers would be pre-empted by federal authority, Larry Hartig, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation told the Coast Guard in a May letter. The Coast Guard says it is simply restating its position and clarifying existing law, not creating new regulations. Agency officials say they want to make clear to the public which existing regulations take precedence over state and local law. “It doesn't create any new regulations that impact the state's ability to regulate and protect their waterways,” Capt. Jason Hamilton, staff judge advocate at the U.S. Coast Guard said at a hearing in Seattle last month. Many states such as Washington have passed additional requirements related to oil spills, including requiring that oil spills be reported immediately to state officials. “The Coast Guard's view of existing law fails to respect states' rights, leaving states with little if any authority to exercise their historical police powers to protect the health and safety of their citizens,” several California state officials told the agency in a May letter. Environmental groups in Massachusetts, Washington and Alaska have raised concerns, but others say the proposal would bring needed clarity and predictability to maritime rules. Skip Volkle, vice president and general counsel of Seattle-based Foss Maritime, the largest coastal tug and barge operator in the U.S., backed the Coast Guard's position. He said his company operates vessels on a daily basis that travel up and down the West and East coasts. “We cannot engage in interstate commerce if every state gets to regulate what equipment has to be on our vessels, how long it has to be, how deep it can be, how wide it can be, what materials can be made,” he said at last month's hearing. Article by Phuong Lee, Associated Press

Naval Base San Diego As we honor the brave men and women who died serving our country this Memorial Day, it's also a great time to remember those who serve today — the ones on active duty and those who hold down the fort at home. Regardless of the service branch, being a military spouse — and finding a company that knows how to support military spouses — isn't easy. I know. For nearly six years, my husband, Paul, was a Navy Master at Arms. Fortunately, my employer, Wells Fargo, is committed to finding careers for military veterans and supporting service members and their families while honoring the unique strengths we bring to the workplace. How can you experience the same results at your company? Here are four ways employers can support military spouses and put us at “ease”: 1. Employ us. Being a military spouse isn't for everyone, bringing deployments and long separations. But this also produces strong and self-reliant workers committed to keep marriages and families strong and thriving — the same qualities that make us great employees. Paul and I spent our first four years living in separate states. He was stationed at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington; I continued my career in communications with Wells Fargo in San Francisco. This provided stability and gave me purpose, especially during long periods of time apart. In many ways, my work put me at ease. 2. Assist us when our country calls our spouses to new duty stations. At first, I was nervous to tell my employer that Paul was in the Navy for fear I would be labeled a “job jumper.” When Paul received orders to Naval Base San Diego, the largest naval instillation in the world, I was excited but anxious. To my surprise, my manager, co-workers, and company valued my husband's service to our country — and my professional contributions — so that I was able to transfer to another communications team as I moved from San Francisco to San Diego. 3. Support us during important military milestones. For me, that included being able to use my paid time off to go to Chicago for Paul's boot camp graduation and to Texas when he graduated from “A” School, where enlistees learn their job assignments. 4. Embrace us, because community matters. I was born and raised in Johnson City, N.Y., and my entire family lives on the East Coast. There were times, however, when I still felt alone while Paul was away — like his deployments aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard. When I took Paul to 32nd Street Naval Base to disembark, I knew I wouldn't see him for many months. During these emotional times, my teammates became my support system. I'll never forget all the times they invited me into their homes for the holidays when I couldn't make it back East, or how they kept me plugged in at work and into volunteer opportunities in San Diego. On this Memorial Day, join me as I thank those in uniform — and their spouses, partners, and employers — for their service. Please use the ''Leave a comment” feature below to share your own story, and the support that has meant the most to you. For me, having a supportive employer has made all the difference. No one ever said being a military wife would be easy. But as I look back at those six years, I couldn't be more proud of the character I built, the friends I made, and the career I launched while serving my country. About Amy Savicky-Injaian is a Wells Fargo communications consultant based in San Diego. A 10-year company veteran, she's responsible for media relations, executive advocacy, and team member communications for Wells Fargo's Community Bank in San Diego and Imperial counties.

Commercial Real Estate Loans and Small Business Loans

300k up to 30mm SBA & Bank Loans for: Commercial Real Estate New Business Funding

Equipment Financing Partner Buyouts Lines of Credit

Reﬁnance Current Debt as low as 3.99% For Free Debt Service Analysis Please Call 858-598-3546

www.BCAloans.com 15

All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. All vehicles subject to prior sale. All prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice. Contact dealer for most current information.

,490

,990